We just got a press release from the folks at Manitou with news about the Circus DJ forks. The 2011 models have arrived and feature a new casting and crown design while the price has been reduced on the Comp model ($339 MSRP). At the end of the press release we found this little interesting tidbit for riders who “deliver the proper gnar”:

Manitou is a big supporter of everything Dirt-Jump, Slope-style, Park, Street and Pump and we’re considering all sponsorship opportunities for 2011. HBG produces a number a dirt jump products and a new PUNCH dirt jump wheel program is set to release at Sea Otter in April of 2011. If you work in a shop shredding local trails and/or enter DJ comps we’d like to hear from you. Send your resume and contact info to us and we’ll get back to you.

Hayes Bicycle Group
Attn: 2011 Sponsorship/Pro Deal
5800 West Donges Bay Rd
Mequon, WI. 53209

Makes me wanna run off and join the Circus…

More details at manitoumtb.com.

Just saw this on Bicycle Retailer:

BETHEL, CT (BRAIN)—GT Bicycles will recruit 35 mountain bike racers nationwide for a new grassroots mountain bike program called the GT Dirt Coalition.

Each member will race and represent GT Bicycles and the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) at a minimum of six mountain bike races during the 2009 season.

“Amateurs are the unsung heroes of mountain bike racing,” said Jenni Cathcart, director of marketing for GT Bicycles. “The GT Dirt Coalition rewards their competitive spirit and commitment to cycling.”

Each GT Dirt Coalition member will receive a high-end race machine: GT’s iconic Zaskar Pro hardtail ($3499.99) with GT signature triple triangle frame design or the Marathon Pro ($4299.99), GT’s lightweight full suspension bike utilizing GT’s Independent Drivetrain suspension system. Both models feature a monocoque carbon fiber frame and XT components. Members also receive a 10×10 Dirt Coalition tent, two race kits and GT swag. The sponsorship package is valued at $4,200-$5,000.

GT Dirt Coalition members will be selected based upon their leadership in the cycling community, involvement in advocacy, local bike shop affiliations, proposed 2009 race schedule and past race results. If you think you’ve got what it takes to be a GT Dirt Coalition member, please fill out the application by clicking on link between January 23 and February 5, 2009.

One note: Any rider who gets paid to race or holds a professional cycling license is not eligible for the Dirt Coalition. And sorry, but all racers must be 18 or older.