This article was originally published on ChopMTB.com.
Downhill world cup star Aaron Gwin has signed for the Specialized downhill team for 2013, a surprise move that has seen him break a previously announced three year deal with Trek World Racing.
TWR boss Martin Whiteley released a statement this morning in which he spoke of Gwin “abandoning TWR in total disregard of his contractual obligations” and said the team were “actively pursuing all options open to us at this point, including legal action”.
Gwin hasn’t responded to Whiteley’s comments yet, but in a press release announcing his move said: “I’m super-excited to start this new chapter in my career with Specialized Bicycles. The entire Specialized staff has welcomed me with open arms and I’m blown away by the level of support they’ve shown me. This is my dream program and I can’t thank them enough for this opportunity. Bring on 2013!”
It looks like Gwin will be sticking with Red Bull, as the Specialized press release makes no mention of Monster Energy and refers to the squad as the ‘S-Racing DH Team’. It also appears that Mitch Ropelato is now a full-time member of the team alongside Troy Brosnan, after filling in for the injured Aussie last summer. Sean Heimdal will continue to manage the squad. There’s no word yet on who will replace Gwin at Trek.
