New Zealandís Top Male Downhiller, 21 year old Justin Leov, has today signed on with 23 Degrees Sports Management S.L. to become the latest in a growing stable of talented athletes managed by the Spanish company.
Justin, who recorded his first World Cup podium in Angle Fire USA this year, has been steadily climbing the ranks of the worldís best downhillers, and is now looking to make the move to a professional race team in 2006. After recording five top 10 placings in World Cup racing, 4 of them in 2005, and winning the 2005 New Zealand National Series, Justin has quickly established himself as one of the top riders to watch for the future.
ìIíve had a really good season in 2005, and was helped greatly by the Suspension Center in Switzerland, Fox Shox and Blenheim Toyota, and their assistance is greatly appreciated. Iím now looking at making the move to a fully professional team so I can reach my goalsî, said Justin from his European base today.
Those goals include being a regular on the World Cup podium, a feeling he describes as one of the greatest in his chosen sport.
ìI really look up to the guys who can each week plant themselves on a podium no matter the course or conditions. Consistency is what Iím aiming for and after this yearís performances I know I have a shot at it.î
For 23 Degrees CEO, Martin Whiteley, the partnership is a logical one.
ìJustin has been on our radar since late 2003. We were impressed with his season last year, but this year he really stepped it up. Heís a young guy going places, super motivated, and heís got a career map in his head, so that makes him a perfect candidate for our assistance. Weíll be helping Justin land the team deal for 2006, develop his media profile, and with the World Championships in New Zealand next year, we also plan on helping Justin to capitalise on that great and often rare opportunity for those in the southern hemisphere; to race a World Championships in your home country in the prime of your careerî.
Justin wishes to thank his 2005 sponsors and suppliers, namely: Suspension Center, Fox Shox, Blenheim Toyota, Frucor Beverages, Meier Sports, Cycletech, and Marleen Wholesales.