ION Bike_TransitionTeam_AlethaOstgaard

Transition Factory Racing Team

The transition factory racing team is a platform for upcoming youth talent to develop their racing and competitive skills, while not losing focus on what matters: having fun. Without any doubt, we are stoked to join this journey and support a group of talented young guns with our award-winning protection and bikewear.

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THE ATHLETES

2023 UCI Downhill World Cup & World Champ

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Lenzerheide (CH)

Speed, setbacks, and debuts

The first WC and the course was fast and dusty. Irregular rain showers kept changing conditions which made setup and line spotting challenging for riders and mechanics. But Tristan, Valentina, and Taylor were looking really fast in practice and kept the vibes to the roof.  

Unfortunately, Tristan had a gnarly crash in practice that put him out of the race. He miraculously walked away with just a small fracture in his hand so he is already back home in Quebec working with the best doctors and will be back in time for WC #4 in Andorra. While he is still young he brings a massive amount of experience and leadership to the team so we can’t wait to see him back with the team.  

 The girls did nothing less than shred hard! It was a show with Vale qualifying 1st and Taylor 10th (her very first World Cup). 

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LEOGANG (AT)

Courage, crashes, and close calls


The anticipation leading up to Leogang is always a tough one. This track puts fear into almost every racer in the circuit, as it's known for its ever changing track conditions and unpredictable weather patterns. This year, the track was faster and more wide open than previous years, which lead to tight times. The track stayed super fast and dry through junior finals as they finished prior to the downpour. 

On Thursday, Valentina and Taylor both qualified for finals again, placing P2 and P10 in qualifying runs, respectively. On Friday, both girls were looking fast and poised in practice and ready to put down scorchers in their race runs. Valentina ended up going off track at the start of the race, and ended P4 in finals. Taylor had some amazing split times, but ended up crashing in Vali Höll's corner in sight of the finish line, putting her in P8 in finals.  

 

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VAL DI SOLE (IT)   

Challenging the black snake


The notorious Black Snake is one to handle with speed but also precision. This year they revamped Vale Di Sole Track, which proved to be a big job. Freshly packed sections had turned into dust exposing all the rocks that hid under the surface.  

Nevertheless, Valentina and Taylor did nothing less than attack the track with focus and speed. Unfortunately, Valentina suffered a huge crash taking her out of practice and possibly have a torn ligament in her hand. She taped up and went to work the following morning and qualified 6th on the day. Taylor has been really getting into her World Cup grove and steadily working her way up the top ten.  

In finals the girls showed their talent and Valentina went through the finish line as P4 and Taylor very close on P6.   

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Crankworx Whistler (CA)

taking all the wins 

Crankworx Whistler is not part of the UCI DH tour, but it is must-do stop for all racers, freeriders, slopestyle riders or any MTB enthusiast. 
The crew came in swinging and took a massive list of medals home, showing their talent in speed and technique, before hitting the World Champs in Fort William. Across all the madness, Matilda slayed each podium of each discipline. 

  • Aletha Ostgard (U17); P1 at DH, P1 at Air-DH 

  • Matilda Melton (U17); P2 at DH, P2 at Air-DH, P1 at Pumptrack, P1 at Enduro 

  • Taylor Ostgard (U19) ; P2 at Air-DH

 

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Fort William (UK)

racing for the rainbow at the World Championship


A tough track with tough conditions. Taylor dropped in at the top with confidence, but unfortunately had a big crash in the top section! Luckily, she walked away unscathed and was able to brush it off and came through the finish line in 17th. Valentina had her eyes set on rainbow stripes and left everything out on that track. In the end P5 on the day for Valentina on the longest track of the season. The juniors are showing that the level of racing is going through the roof!