by IT Interactive
This report filed November 30, 2005
Two-time Xterra world champion Melanie McQuaid has confirmed that she will be riding Orbea bikes in 2006, as she seeks to be the first person ever to repeat as champion.
"In 2005 I was fortunate enough to be one of the first to race the Alma, and my results speak to the quality of that bike. It is a privilege that I will continue to ride Orbea in 2006. Orbea offers an amazing line of road, time trial and mountain bikes that set a quality standard that no one else even comes close to, and the roster of athletes that choose to ride them is equally impressive.I am excited to be part of what is sure to be the ultimate multisport program next season."
McQuaid was a terror on the Xterra circuit in 2005, with wins at Xterra West and Mountain championships, plus close seconds in Xterra East, Midwest and USA championships. She rode the Scandium hardtail Scape for most of the year, switching to Orbea’s all-carbon Alma for the world championship race in Maui, where she scorched the bike course in a convincing win.
Orbea’s managing director for North America, Tony Karklins, is thrilled about McQuaid’s results this year and excited to have her riding Orbea again in 2006. "Melanie has become the face of Xterra with her consistent high level of achievement over the past three years, and Orbea is proud to be a part of her team going forward. She’s a leader and a winner, and those are qualities that we strive for everyday."
Melanie will be racing the Alma again next year in Xterra events. She also has plans to race the Orbea Ordu in a few non-drafting triathlons, when her off-road schedule permits.