Top racer Will Longden will be making the transition from managing a UK race team to getting back to racing, and will be doing so aboard Lapierre, in a deal announced today.

The three times British DH champion and twice winner of the NPS DH series, Longden has also competed in the last 15 consecutive World Championships for Great Britain, more than any other rider.

“Managing a team and racing has been a great challenge but now with other things on my plate, it will be nice to have time to myself at races to train, have fun with friends and then focus 100% on my own performance come race day,” says Longden.

“I have always ridden better when I'm having fun and that's exactly what I plan on doing this year. I sat down and typed out emails to all the companies I would love to work with and promote and I was pretty excited when I got the email back from Illy at Hotlines to say they were interested in working with me.”

Longden will compete in National and World Cup series, as well as the Mega Avalanche challenge, aboard a choice of DH920, Airzone and Froggy 518 bikes.

“The Lapierre bikes are awesome and after a few test rides I'm confident they will really compliment the way I ride,” added Longden.

You can see Will's full race calendar and check out his other sponsors at www.willlongden.com. Find out more about Lapierre at www.hotlines-uk.com and www.lapierrebikes.com.