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Breaking news: Specialized and Aaron Gwin part ways… Where is he bouncing off to this time?

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Gwin
media c. of Specialized

Gwin is becoming known for stirring things up both on and off the dirt, breaking chains and contracts promises alike. Drama unfolded just a few years ago when he posted a video of him wearing a shirt with the big “S” on it while still with Trek, then announcing just days before Trek was required to send the team roster to the UCI that he was leaving. Allegations of him breaking a contract were met with a quick response saying that he never signed the contract and the situation ended with egg on everyone’s face. Around that same time he moved to Troy Lee Designs right before his signature Bell Full-9 full face helmet was to be released.

Today, in an unexpected twist, Specialized announced Aaron Gwin is parting ways with them. Though unlike the turmoil that took place when Gwin bailed at the last minute on Trek, Specialized seems to be taking the higher road in wishing him well. So where do you think he’s going now? Did he repair the burned bridge with Trek or is someone once again giving him and his agent a deal they can’t refuse? Is the other big dog, Giant, sinking their teeth in? Or what about Canyon, who has beefed up their presence recently in the gravity scene… not to mention campaigning their way on to US soil.

Breach the break to read Specialized’ response and watch the video highlighting Gwin and the Specialized team’s 2015 season as well as a word from Gwin……

 

From Specialized:

Morgan Hill, Calif., December 28, 2015—Aaron joined Specialized for the 2013 season, and although it was a rough year in terms of race results, in many ways it was still a near perfect match-up; Aaron, being multi-time USA DH National Champion and the fastest American downhill racer to come along in at least a decade, and Specialized, a US-based brand dedicated to the pursuit of creating the fastest race bikes and equipment. After the first year, growing pains were overcome and things picked up dramatically. 2014 would see Gwin take two World Cup victories, one 2nd place result, and a total of five appearances on the podium. For 2015, the momentum continued to build with Aaron bringing home an astonishing five wins (one of which with a broken chain!) and the UCI World Cup Downhill series
overall. “Aaron is a rider unlike any other. His commitment to success is unrivaled, and I have never known another athlete who works as hard and is as focused as Aaron. This past season with him was unforgettable and one for the history books. He will be greatly missed.”

—Benno Williet, Specialized Factory Racing MTB Team manager

Specialized would like to thank Aaron for a truly unforgettable ride that will be forever written into the history of our brand
and not forgotten any time soon. We wish Aaron the absolute best in his next chapter and look forward to watching him
continue to push the boundaries of speed on a downhill bike.

Chapeau, Aaron!

 

Aaron himself had this to say:

“It’s been a great three years for me at Specialized. I’m very thankful for their kindness, hard
work, and continuous support in helping me further my racing career at the highest level. I leave the team satisfied with the results we achieved and will remember the great times we had for a very long time. It’s been an awesome ride and I wish them all the best in the future.”

 

Specialized.com

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Big House
Big House
8 years ago

AG currently negotiates all his own deals, and does not have an “official” agent.

Luiggi
Luiggi
8 years ago

A bit late to call them “breaking news”. In a related report, Darren “Bearclaw” Berrecloth will also quit The Big S™ and start riding for Canyon. More at 11.

Prolapsed from use
Prolapsed from use
8 years ago

What what what?

scant
scant
8 years ago

I heard a rumour of Gwyn riding for YT, no idea if thats true

Gillis
Gillis
8 years ago

Came to post same rumor^^

Gillis
Gillis
8 years ago

Well, the rumor was that he was starting his own team and riding YT bikes, not necessarily sponsored by them.

chasejj
chasejj
8 years ago

New Paradigm.
My prediction- Major sponsor (Redbull/KTM/TLD) will be outside of main bike industry. He will ride a chassis of their team’s selection and whatever deal makes sense. This way he can jump around on equipment year to year but remain under same Team name year to year. There are SX/MX Teams doing this now and it just makes sense as the sport grows.
Go Gwinn!

$dmoney$
$dmoney$
8 years ago

SCB – Peatty = Gwin
Just my prediction, or is there a spread??

boom
8 years ago

ha, after needing custom Specialized bikes and still not as successful, he probably wishes he was still on Trek

Dave
Dave
8 years ago

Talent is one thing and honor is another. Apparently they can be mutually exclusive. I hope who ever hires him in the future realizes what they are dealing with.

CC
CC
8 years ago

@Dave, the contract with Specialized was up. He and Specialized couldn’t agree on a new one so they both move on. What’s the big deal?

Elsinore
Elsinore
8 years ago

@Dave

So the man wants to get paid while he can like every other professional athlete in existence. Somehow this reality of the real world reflects poor moral character in your opinion?
Please. This isn’t a freaking paddy-cake contest guy, it’s pro sports. Next time, spare us your antiquated unrealistic opinions. The guys wins world cups with NO GODD*MN CHAIN, if Spec isn’t willing to shell out the dough for that kind of once in a generation talent then it’s their loss and has nothing to do with your warped concept of “Honor”.

Mountain Dew Drinking Flatbiller
Mountain Dew Drinking Flatbiller
8 years ago

I heard he didn’t like the grease Specialized mechanics used on his front, non-driveside wheel bearings.

Dave
Dave
8 years ago

PIVOT, PIVOT, PIVOT!!!!!!!!!!!

Bazz
Bazz
8 years ago

Here’s a guy who can win a World Cup without a chain = name your price!

TheFunkyMonkey
TheFunkyMonkey
8 years ago

I’m not a Gwin fan but respect what he can do on a bike.

That being said, what a biased article followed by some hysterical comments. As if BR is at the epicenter of downhill racing, the article starts with quite a provocative statement, “Gwin is becoming known for stirring things up both on and off the dirt, breaking chains and contracts promises alike.” Um – OK.

Trey – help your readers understand what contract and what promise(s) you claim were broken between Gwin and Specialized? Because every other media outlet contradicts your statements. The are no promises when there are contracts and the contract between Gwin and Specialized expired. Specialized didn’t accept the terms that Gwin proposed. It’s called business and it happens every day. “Promises” – what a joke statement…

I’ll say it again, I’m not a Gwin fan but for commenters criticizing the move (and his motive), you’re foolish to think that if you were in the same situation you wouldn’t maximize your value just s he is trying to. Guess what? If no one accepts Gwin’s offer, then he isn’t worth it. If one party accepts his offer, then he’s worth it – to someone. Simple as that.

Tom
Tom
8 years ago

KMC.

Bwahahahaha!

Elsinore
Elsinore
8 years ago

Bazz. Someone obviously paid the price he asked for other than Spec. Sooo I’d say it worked out alright for Gwin.

thesteve4761
thesteve4761
8 years ago

@Mountain Dew guy- Where’s the video of him killing it at Leogang with a seized front left bearing?

He’s on fire with no tire.
He’s insane with no chain.
No mistakes with no brakes.

What will 2016 bring?

satisFACTORYrider
satisFACTORYrider
8 years ago

gwin- use 22moto model . all will be grand

EpicThroatBeard
EpicThroatBeard
8 years ago

YT.

ThatDkid
ThatDkid
8 years ago

KTM Bikes

JoeMamma
JoeMamma
8 years ago

to quote one of the best on pinkbike “i hope he doesn’t go to canyon, he’ll miss the whole 2016 season waiting for his bike to arrive”

satisFACTORYrider
satisFACTORYrider
8 years ago

@joemamma- that would be bruni

Sebastian
Sebastian
8 years ago

Jared Graves comming on specialized team .. the thing will chnge for sure

captain efficient
captain efficient
8 years ago

Schwinn for the Gwin

Team of Rumors
Team of Rumors
8 years ago

YT. He’s going to YT. This has almost been the worst kept secret ever… and if you think THAT sounds preposterous, hold on to your a** when they reveal the management team. Now go breathe into a bag or something. It’s gonna get wild.

Jackson
Jackson
8 years ago

Bikings a sport!?

Fabricio
Fabricio
8 years ago

Lindarets I almost purchased the V1 in December but I knew that something better should come for the Thomson lever (the worst lever to adapt in under bar position because the wire attachment in the seatpost and not in the lever itself), I’m glad that this will match what I want and for sure will pull the trigger on this now… Keep going mate and I hope that you come with many more hacks, cheers.

Joe
Joe
8 years ago

I just hope it’s something he can win on. 19 this year.

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