With their best winter preparation ever, Matt Simmonds, Joe Smith and new signing Al Bond are raring to go, despite Al having picked up a shoulder injury two weeks ago. Team Manager Nigel Page said: "Unfortunately Al broke his collarbone whilst out in California training, but has had laser surgery and is determined to race and get a good result after all the work he's put in!"

Lewis Buchanan and Matti Lehikoinen are missing this first race due to injury, but will be back for the next round in Val di Sole, Italy.

Team Manager Nigel Page added: "Well, the first round of the Rocky Roads UCI Downhill World Cup at Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, has come around really quick it seems this year. The whole team has worked hard over the winter, we have the best bikes and equipment going and we are looking forward to getting out and having a successful season of racing and riding.