Specialized Giant

!! PRESS RELEASE !! 6th February 2008

2008 Specialized Challenge Series and Giant Dirt Demo Days

Specialized and Giant announce the return of the Specialized Challenge Series and Giant Dirt Demo Days and their partnership with more brand to benefit riders around the country.

January 16th, 2008 - Chessington, UK. Specialized and Giant have announced the return of the Specialized Challenge Series and Giant Dirt Demo Days. Launched for the first time in 2007 the events will be back in 2008 with more venues around the country, more dates and more challenges.

For 2008 Specialized and Giant have partnered with Singletrack, Lupine, Sram, SiS and Dirt Divas. Each partner in the venture will play its part in giving riders even more technical support and the guarantee of a safe and fun ride on Specialized and Giant's demo bikes.

Specialized Challenge Series
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There are 6 dates and venues across the country to choose from with challenges ranging from a night ride in Scotland to women's technical days in Bracknell. Specialized and Giant's demo fleets and technical teams will also be at each event for men and women of all riding abilities to get the chance to test ride some of the best bikes on the market.

The venues and dates are as follows:

"The Specialized Challenge Series received a huge welcome last year and thanks to the positive feedback from riders around the country we have decided to relaunch them in 08 with 6 new venues and new innovative challenges".
Richard Hemington, Managing Director of Specialized.

Singletrack have taken on the role of media partner and will ensure online information and registration through Singletrackworld.com. Registration will start along with their press and online advertising campaigns early next month.

"The series of 2007 was so embraced by participants that we can't wait to do it again," said Ian Beasant, Managing Director of Giant UK. "The collaboration of Specialized and Giant together gives consumers the opportunities to test some of the greatest technologies on the market. We want consumers to have great riding experiences in the best environment and this series gives participants, whatever their level, the opportunity to get out, get riding and have fun."

In 2008, the Specialized Challenge Series will also become a platform to promote the Riders Club due to launch later this year. As part of the registration, each Specialized Challenge Series participant will become a Riders Club Member, gaining free access to information on local rides and special events organised by and through the Riders Club site once launched. The Specialized Challenge Series will also see the start of a new relationship with Breast Cancer Care. For each female rider taking part in the Specialized Challenge Series, Specialized will donate £7.99 in aid of Brest Cancer research.

"The addition of the Riders Club and our association with Breast Cancer Care as added benefit for the participant comes as a natural one as we respond to the consumers' demand for more brand interaction and allow them to show their loyalty and support for new ventures", said Hemington.

CONTACT: Anne Immelman, Specialized,
020 8391 3511
aimmelman@specializeduk.com

CONTACT: Collette Clensy, Giant
0115 977 5903
cclensy@giant-bicycles.co.uk

About Specialized:
Specialized was founded in 1974 by riders for riders. Headquartered in Morgan Hill, California with global distribution, the company focuses on making everyone's time on a bike better by delivering functional and technically advanced equipment that provide a performance benefit.

About Giant:
For nearly three decades, Giant has devoted itself to the cycling culture. Giant has actively participated in the development of the bicycle, from that of simple transportation to its current popularity as a recreational and sport activity. Giant believes that riding a bike brings quality to life, and it takes personal responsibility for improving the experience. The ability to bring new and healthier lifestyles to customers around the globe makes Giant proud.