CamelBak® Announces Sponsorship of Freeride Athletes in 2008

CamelBak will be the exclusive hydration product supplier for the CamelBak Originals through 2008 and will integrate Voreis and the talented young riders into its marketing programs. Voreis will leverage his experience to drive product innovation and style, while Taylor, Semenuk and Reveles will represent the brand at dirt jump, SlopeStyle and freeride events around the world.

”Kirt is an asset to the CamelBak brand because his riding styles reflect the diversity of mountain biking,” said Shannon Stearns, CamelBak Global Marketing Manager. “His passion for the sport, and his influence on young riders, make him a natural choice to lead the CamelBak Originals. In addition, CamelBak has always valued innovation, and we are excited to support a group of young riders that are taking SlopeStyle, and mountain biking as a whole, in exciting new directions.”

Voreis, the 2002 National Dual Slalom Champion and World Cup downhill racer, is one of the sport’s most progressive riders to date. His experience spans all aspects of mountain biking, from cross country and downhill racing, to SlopeStyle, street and dirt jump competitions. “I have been wearing a CamelBak since 1991 and I know they are the best. I am lucky to have the opportunity to continue my relationship with CamelBak and help influence and promote their amazing products,” said Voreis.

As for the young guns, Taylor, Semenuk and Reveles, all three are currently in Europe competing in the Nissan Qashqai Challenge. Voreis says: “These talented teenagers are becoming the senior class of the ‘New School’ of mountain biking. I’ve watched these kids evolve into mature riders with skills beyond their youth.”

Taylor capped off his first year of competitions with a 7th place finish at Crankworx in 2007.
Semenuk, the youngest of the group at just 17 years of age, finished 3rd at Crankworx and also jumped his way to a 2nd place finish at the Bearclaw Invitational SlopeStyle comp. Reveles earned the Most Flow and Style award at both the Randy’s Jam and the Wham Bam Thank You Jam. Plus, you can check out Reveles in action on the cover of Decline Magazine.

Alex Reveles
Hometown: Aptos, CA
Age: 18
Birthday: 8/15/89
Height: Tall enough
Years riding: 6
Best results: 2005 – 1st place – The Gathering Expert Dirt Comp; National Champion 4Cross, Under18 – 2006 – Most Flow and Style – Randys Jam; Most Flow and Style – Wham Bam Thank You Jam
Sponsors: Adidas, Gravity, SRAM, CamelBak

Brandon Semenuk
Hometown: Whistler, BC
Age: 17
Birthday: 2/2/91
Height: 6’0”
Years riding: As long as he can remember
Best results: 2007: 3rd Jordtron Jumpathon; 3rd Crankworx SlopeStyle; 2nd Bearclaw Invitational SlopeStyle
Sponsors: Nike, Trek, SRAM, CamelBak

Andrew Taylor
Hometown: Santa Rosa, CA
Age: 20
Birthday: 1/1/88
Height: 6’0”
Years riding: 5
Best results: 2007: 1st TEVA Mountain Games Pro Dirt Jump; 7th Crankworx SlopeStyle; 4th Crankworx Colorado SlopeStyle; 4th Bearclaw Invitational
Sponsors: Versus Cycles, Spyder Clothing, Bell, CamelBak