We have some great news for the new season. Three times Enduro World Series second place overall rider Damien Oton, is joining our team. He will be the leader of a revamped squad with its eyes set on reaching the podium in the best cycling events in the world and contributing to the development of our bikes and components.

You already know who we are: a bold and nonconformist team. And that’s the spirit with which Orbea’s enduro team is going to tackle its third season. We are taking things in earnest and have pulled out all the stops to strengthen the team for 2020.

We are launching our new name: Orbea Fox Enduro Team. Kick-starting a new and exhilarating stage in which Fox and Race Face are joining the project and committing themselves to product development, testing in top-level competition and cutting-edge technology. Top performance brands Maxxis and fi’zi:k are also coming aboard on this voyage. And, as if that weren’t enough, the family is rounded off by firms such as Galfer, Vaude, Crankbrothers and OneUp Components. All of us have innovation is in our genes.

DAMIEN OTON, TEAM LEADER

As you can see, we have the best travelling companions with us on this journey. Not only on the technical side or in R+D+i, but also on the human and competitive side. The big news here is the incorporation of Damien Oton.

After a wretched 2019, with a broken back and scaphoid, the French rider (32 years old) joins us to lead the team to launch it on to podium finishes.

“After such a complicated year -Damien explains-, I needed incentives to get back into competing again. When Orbea got in touch with me, I didn’t hesitate. I’m convinced that we have a bright future together”.

This fantastic rider has landed in the Orbea Fox Enduro Team backed by his three second place overall results in the Enduro World Series (2014, 2016 and 2018). “My aim is to be more regular throughout the entire season. I’m going to give all I’ve got for the Rallon to achieve its first podium in the EWS”, he ensures.

VID CONTINUES TO PROGRESS

Vid Persak will be the other Pro Team member, along with Damien. In his second season, the Slovenian will continue to progress and will have a lot to say in the World Series. It won’t be any surprise at all to see him in the Top 20.

“It’s great to be in a team that combines a wealth of experience with younger riders”, Vid tells us. “Personally -he adds-, I know I can do well, but I need to work more and improve. I’m really good when the slopes get steep and technical, but I still need some training in the bike parks”.

The young 23 year-old rider, is striving for everything this next year. “The aim is to win -he acknowledges-, however winning doesn’t always mean coming in first. Winning means offering the best version of yourself all the time”.

As well as Vid and Damien, other riders will give their best to defend the Orbea Fox Enduro Team colours: Gabriel Torralba and Edgar Carballo. Both will make up the Spanish National Team, competing in European as well as Spanish national events.

In Gabi’s case, his aim is to revalidate his Spanish enduro championship title. If he manages to pull it off, it would be his sixth consecutive title. Quite a feat for the rider, incorporated into the team’s structure from the beginning, in 2018.

Edgar Carballo (31 years old), on the other hand, joins the team discipline this year. In Edgar’s case, 2020 will be an incentive for him as he makes his debut in the European Enduro Series. His previous competitive experience as a downhill rider, means that he feels in his natural habitat in the “technically challenging sections”.

The contribution of each and every rider is key; even outside the competitive arena. Particularly, when squeezing the juice out of our Rallon and Occam models, the bikes the team will be using throughout the season. With that in mind, we will make full use of our Team Camps throughout the year in order to share impressions, test products and continue growing together. Collaboration is key.

A QUALIFIED TEAM OF PEOPLE

Our riders are backed by the work of a highly qualified team, led by Primož Štrancar. The manager of the Orbea Fox Enduro Team will continue to be a cornerstone in this jigsaw puzzle. Contributing his knowhow in coordinating teams and competitive experience, a world from where he himself comes from and was so successful in.

It’s also fair to recognise the masterful work performed by Javi Lorenzo, the team’s official mechanic. Just as important as Xabi Rodrigo’s coordination work (Orbea’s Sports Marketing Manager) or Eñaut Abarrategi’s communication work in the social media team.

FULL COVERAGE OF THE EWS EVENTS

This season, we are striving for excellence, even when sharing the team activity. Our aim is to lead the way, continuing to enjoy the viewpoint of two experts in the field of images: Kike Abelleira, the team photographer, and video filmmaker Horacio Cabilla (Restarts Studio).

Between all of us, we guarantee you a full coverage of the 2020 Enduro World Series. The first of the eight events on the calendar will be held in Manizales (Colombia) on the 28 th and 29 th of March.

The season looks to be quite exciting and full of new developments. One of the highlights is the kick off of the EWS-E: the Enduro World Series for electric bikes. Only three races will be held this year, but Orbea wants to be involved right from the start. As you know, we have good arguments to do so, with our Wild FS mountain e-bikes (which, by the way, are fully customizable on our MyO application)

The countdown has begun. We have everything in place to give you plenty to talk about in 2020. We are the Orbea Fox Enduro Team and we’re ready for take-off…