PEARL iZUMi Announces 2024 Team and Athlete Roster

January 17, 2024

Broomfield, Colorado (January 17, 2024) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – PEARL iZUMi, the Colorado-based global leader in cycling apparel and footwear, proudly announces its 2024 athlete roster. PEARL iZUMi welcomes back veterans Alexey Vermeulen, Hannah Shell, Whit Allison, Zack Allison, Mark Mathews, and Jake Magee, while expanding their team with 41 new riders. These accomplished athletes are setting their sights on ambitious goals for 2024, both on and off the course, and PEARL iZUMi is excited to support their endeavors.

WorldTour racer turned accomplished gravel rider Alexey Vermeulen returns to the PEARL team after a successful 2023 season, with podiums at Leadville 100, Big Sugar Gravel and SBT GRVL. Alexey brings an important blend of determination and gratitude to the team as a co-founder of ‘From the Ground Up,’ a transformative cycling scholarship initiative that encourages cyclists of varying skill levels to push beyond their limits and conquer the renowned Leadville 100.

Once a dedicated road cyclist, Hannah Shell has successfully transitioned her skills to the gravel scene, boasting impressive wins at both the Miami Gravel and Foco Fondo events. For 2024, Hannah is excited to compete in new events including Cape Epic and Rift, in addition to tried and true favorites – Unbound and Leadville 100.

The dynamic husband and wife team at the helm of Fort Collins’ celebrated FoCo Fondo gravel race, Whit and Zack Allison, tout both business savvy and remarkable cycling careers.

The pair founded Bike Sports – which includes a racing program, bike fit studio, gravel camps, a free route website, and Bike Sports TV. On the course, Whit and Zack consistently achieve top standings in prestigious events such as BWR, Unbound Gravel, and SBT GRVL.

For over a decade, Mark Matthews has pushed boundaries in the mountain biking world with mind-bending freeride lines and visionary trail-builds. In addition to competing in major events like Red Bull Rampage and Crankworx, Mark continues to make an indelible mark on the sport with his passion for developing new trails in his local community.

Jake Magee, a former Australian flat track motorcycle champion, transitioned to cycling in 2009 and has excelled on gravel ever since. He holds the Gravel Worlds 75-mile course record and has secured podiums at Rad Dirt, OKC Gravel Grinder, BWR Kansas Wafer, and BWR Utah Wafer. In 2024, he will continue to compete in mid-distance gravel races, including the BWR series and select Lifetime MTB events.

PEARL iZUMi is excited to welcome a talented group of female riders from the Cynisca team as well. Among them are Pauline Allin, Émilie Fortin, Tess Edwards, Mara Roldan, Fiona Mangan, Gabrielle Lehnert, Cara O’Neill, Claire Windsor, Chloé Fourmigué Villacampa, Allison (Alli) Mrugal, Lauren Stephens, Chloe Patrick, Ashley Frye, Greta Richioud, Katherine Sarkisov, and Nicole Steinmetz. These exceptional athletes span a range of disciplines, including road, gravel, criterium, track cycling, and mountain biking. PEARL iZUMi looks forward to supporting the Cynisca team’s goals for 2024.

Accomplished Fezzari riders Nik Nestoroff, Kailey Skelton, Justin Fierro, and Jake Snow will also join PEARL’s stacked roster. With a strong focus on enduro and downhill racing, these riders are poised to build upon past successes, including National Championship downhill titles and downhill and enduro series podiums in 2024.

PEARL iZUMi also looks forward to repping the Mike’s Bike’s Men’s Elite Team in the coming year. Guided by team captains Cam Piper, Chris Riekert, and Roman Kiliun, the roster features a mix of returning talents, including Dillon Hollinger, Eric Fisher, Mattheus Johnson, Matthew Koenig, and Nate Mesmer, alongside exciting new additions in Eamon Lucas, Jack Duncan, Jeff Linder, Sean Bennett, and Tim McBirney.

Hailing from the XCO circuit are Maxxis Factory Racing riders Eva Poidevin and Andrew L’Esperance. After clinching a third place finish at BCBR last year, Eva is setting her sights on more podiums and stage victories in 2024. Reigning MTB Marathon National Champion and a two-time BC Bike Race Champion, Andrew L’Esperance, aims to continue his impressive streak of success.

Emerging newcomer Paige Onweller has quickly made her mark at the forefront of the off-road racing scene since her debut in 2021. Notably, she clinched victory at the prestigious Big Sugar Gravel event in 2022 and has consistently secured top-10 finishes in the Lifetime Grand Prix for the past two years.

Brendan Johnston, a seasoned racing veteran with two decades of experience and a record of six national titles, is eager to dedicate his full focus on racing and the upcoming 2024 Lifetime Grand Prix season.

Last but certainly not least, PEARL is excited to add Torbjørn Røed to their ranks. The Norwegian finished first at the hard-fought Big Sugar Gravel and Kansas Belgian Waffle Ride last year, with podiums at several other major races.

“We’re excited to announce our unwavering support for the sport, the culture, and the exceptional athletes we’ve partnered with for 2024. Our commitment to these athletes reflects our belief in both the sport of cycling and the unique journeys and achievements of our team. We understand the challenges our riders face during competition, and it’s our mission to ensure their gear is one less thing to worry about. This support underscores our dedication to enhancing the performance and enjoyment of all cyclists, from elite racers to weekend enthusiasts. We eagerly anticipate their success and the inspiration they’ll bring to the 2024 cycling season,” said Emily Stubler, PEARL iZUMi, Brand Marketing Director.

For more information on PEARL iZUMi’s 2024 athlete roaster, visit https://www.pearlizumi.com/pages/athletes

Contact:

Purple Orange Brand Communications

sarah.dziadzio@purpleorangepr.com

About PEARL iZUMi

PEARL iZUMi was founded on two things: the love of cycling and more importantly, love for future generations. The brand originated more than 60 years ago in Japan, when the founder created a special jersey out of technical fabric for his son, an aspiring bike racer. Since then, the company has been progressing the design and manufacture of performance apparel and footwear for cyclists of all levels. PEARL iZUMi believes that how we live today shapes how future generations ride, and is committed to using its business practices, products and community advocacy to create a positive impact through cycling. PEARL iZUMi’s world headquarters are located in Broomfield, CO, where it embraces strong influence from the Colorado Front Range.

For more information, visit https://www.pearlizumi.com/