Specialized Factory Racing Unveils 2025 Team Roster, Race Calendar, and Season Objectives

Press Release from Specialized:

Victor Koretzky

   
Morgan Hill, CA—Specialized Factory Racing is proud to announce its team lineup for the 2025 season officially. The team has a broad race calendar and ambitious goals for the year ahead. Committed to excellence, innovation, and podium performances, the team is set to compete in premier events worldwide.

The Specialized Factory Racing Team for 2025

2025 Specialized Factory Racing Roster

Victor Koretzky (France) – A proven elite competitor with a strong track record in cross-country racing, Koretzky is a former World Cup winner and an Olympic contender known for his aggressive riding style. His palmarès include five UCI MTB World Cup victories in 2024, the XCC World Championship title, a European XCO Championship title, and a top-five finish at the 2024 Marathon World Championships.

Victor Koretzky, the UCI’s 2024 XCC World Champion

“It’s exciting to continue racing with Specialized in 2025. Wearing the rainbow jersey feels incredible, and the team had great success in 2024. The level of racing at the top is very high, and I always strive to improve. Having a team of talented riders motivates us all to perform better. Everyone on this squad possesses unique talents, and I look forward to the season. My primary goal will be the XCO World Championship, while keeping a close eye on the overall for the XCO. I’m fully committed to defending my XCC jersey, and I can’t wait to go racing this weekend in Banyoles. ” – Victor Koretzky

Christopher Blevins

Christopher Blevins (USA) – A powerhouse in cross-country racing and a key figure in Specialized’s global success, Blevins made history as the first American to win an XCO World Cup in over 25 years. Blevins is also a former XCC World Champion, showcasing his versatility across disciplines.

Martin Vidaurre (Chile) – An emerging talent with a bright future in elite competition, Vidaurre dominated the U23 circuit and is now poised to make an impact at the elite level. After a challenging 2024 season, he started 2025 strong with three wins from three races in Chile. He wants to continue climbing the elite rankings as he grows into the longer XCO races.

Adrien Boichis (France) – A young and determined athlete with great potential, Boichis has shown exceptional promise with multiple strong performances in the U23 category. In 2025, he will race MTB for Specialized Factory Racing and compete on the road for Red Bull BORA-Hansgrohe, further expanding his versatility and racing experience.

 Adrien Boichis

Laura Stigger (Austria) – The current Austrian XCO and XCC Champion, Stigger’s rise in the elite ranks has been steadily climbing. She had an excellent finish to the 2024 season and will continue to build on that momentum. In addition to her MTB commitments, she will also race on the road with SD Worx ProTime, further diversifying her racing experience.

“Being part of this team since I started my professional career has been incredible. I have matured as a rider and credit my success to the support and environment provided by Specialized Factory Racing. In 2025, I aim to build on the consistency achieved in 2024 while continuing to learn from my teammates and collaborate with the product team. The atmosphere within the team is one of the most important factors for me, and I truly feel at home away from home here squad.” – Laura Stigger

Laura Stigger (left) and Christopher Blevins

Sina Frei (Switzerland) – An exceptional athlete and an indomitable force in cross-country racing, Frei is not only a former XCC World Champion but also the victorious competitor in two World Cup races in 2024. Following a powerful finish to the season, she is determined to harness her late-season momentum and maintain her pursuit of excellence at the highest level of competition.

Haley Batten (USA) – She burst onto the 2024 season with a bang, claiming victory in two World Cups right out of the gate and dazzling the world with a silver medal performance at the Paris Olympics.

Haley Batten (above and below)

However, unforeseen challenges threw a wrench in her momentum late in the season. Undeterred, she is fiercely committed to reclaiming her championship form and re-establishing herself as a powerhouse in the sport’s elite ranks.

Innovative Leadership Strategy
Specialized Factory Racing is thrilled to announce Tara Lazarski as the Head of sport for the 2025 season, managing the Specialized Factory Racing MTB team. With years of experience in high-performance cycling, Lazarski offers a fresh perspective and a dedication to keeping the team competitive at the highest level.

Tara Lazarski, head of sport

“I feel it is a privilege to be joining this team, and I’m looking forward to getting the season underway. As a sport physio, I now have over 20 years of experience across cycling disciplines, including 3 Olympic games and various leadership and management positions. I plan to work together with the incredible staff and riders to continue to achieve the highest possible level in the sport. Everyone has big goals for this World Cup season, and we will make sure they have all the support needed to reach them. ” – Tara Lazarski, head of sport

Trinity Racing – A Proven Development Pathway
Specialized Bicycles’ development program, Trinity Racing, has been instrumental in developing world-class talent. It provides young riders with a direct pathway to the elite ranks. Many top athletes have emerged from this program, including Adrien Boichis, who will make his debut with Specialized Factory Racing in 2025.

“I had a fantastic year in the U/23 category during the 2023 season, winning several world cups. After a challenging year in 2024, battling illness, I am excited to join Specialized Factory Racing in 2025. The team fosters an environment where I can grow and learn from riders like Victor Koretzky and Chris Blevins. I am looking forward to seeing the progress throughout the year. Competing for a full season in the elite category will be tough, but this is the biggest racing stage in the world, and I am ready to put in the hard work. It’s a significant challenge, but I am eager to take it on. Brazil is on my list of races that I want to experience and excel in. The Specialized S-Works Epic 8 is an incredible bike for training and racing, and after riding Specialized bikes for years, having this close relationship with the factory, engineers, and the product team is a dream come true.” – Adrien Boichis.

With Boichis joining the squad, the team remains unchanged from the 2024 season, reflecting Specialized’s commitment to continuity and high performance. This consistency strengthens team chemistry and ensures a seamless progression into the new season.

Sports Marketing Director

Scott Jackson has successfully led the team for several years and is looking to build on past successes with a fresh team of leaders. With a wealth of experience in brand development and athlete sponsorships, he will be crucial in elevating the team’s global presence and fostering key industry partnerships.

Scott Jackson

“Nothing makes me happier than continuing with the same athletes year over year. In 2024, Specialized was the most winning brand in the sport of MTB, and we all have a lot to live up to, athletes and staff, but we are proud of the riders and support team going into the 2025 season and have big hopes for the season.” – Scott Jackson

Performance Director

Specialized Factory Racing is excited to announce Prof Michael Posthumus as the team’s Performance Director for 2025. With extensive expertise in exercise science and elite athlete development, Posthumus will enhance the team’s performance and ensure that riders remain in top condition throughout the season.

“We are extremely fortunate to continue working with the same core of riders for the upcoming season. We have big goals again for the 2025 season and look forward to continuing to define the meaning of high performance within our team environment.” – Prof Michael Posthumus

Christopher Blevins