The Sho-Air/Cannondale Team launch was held on Thursday at Irvine Regional Park. Members of the media were introduced to the Sho-Air/Cannondale Team by Sho-Air’s CEO Scott Tedro in front of the Sho-Air/Cannondale truck. The Team includes professionals Max Plaxton, Pua Mata, Alex Grant, Jeremiah Bishop, Tinker Juarez, and former Sho-Air rider Manny Prado as team support. Also featured on the team are motorsports legends Eric Bostrom and Josh Hayes. The team will be managed by five-time amateur National Champion and Director of Team Operations, Ty Kady.
After the Team introduction everyone hit the trails for a mountain bike ride on the great trail system at Irvine Regional Park. Cannondale provided a stable of high end mountain bikes for everyone and we were able to put them to the test over terrain that consisted of climbing, descents, double track and some steep and tight switchbacks.  I rode the Cannondale Scalpel 29′r Carbon with full-suspension, which rode like a dream. This was a treat to ride and was stoked to try out the Lefty shock, rear-suspension and 29er wheels – three things that were new to me.
As we approach the 2013 season, it is nice to see a program like the Sho-Air/Cannondale Team come on to the mountain bike scene. The level of professionalism and support is reminiscent of mountain biking’s “Glory Days” of the 90’s and will only be exciting for the sport.
Report & Photos by Christy Nicholson / SoCalCycling.com & EchelonDesignPhoto.com
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