Pro Bike Check: Martin Maes’ GT Force Pro
Halfway through the season Martin Maes swapped his GT Sanction for a GT Force Pro and has been riding on a carbon frame since. The Force Pro also features a more conventional rear-end than the Sanction and doesn’t have 29″ wheels. Read all about Martin’s nduro weapon here!
Unfortunately luck wasn’t on Martin’s side in the last race of the Enduro World Series which is a shame because the 2018 racing season could have been spectacular for him. After his victory at the sixth EWS race in Whistler he won the UCI Downhill World Cup in La Bresse and also took second place at the World Champs in Lenzerheide racing with the GT Factory Racing Team jersey. Not only has Martin proved that he’s one of the best mountain bikers in the world but he also wrote a piece of MTB history.
He entered the last EWS race in Finale Ligure with a strong chance of taking the overall victory but unfortunately things turned out differently. On the second stage he hit a tree and injured his right hand. But giving up was never an option for Martin: Despite the strong impairment he finished the race and ended up in 131st place. In the overall ranking of the EWS 2018 however he only managed an ungrateful fourth place.
Recently Martin extended his contract with the GT Factory Racing Team by three more years. Whether the friendly Belgian will focus on enduro or downhill in the 2019 season is still unclear. But one thing’s certain: Martin is thirsty for a title and wants to become world champion!
We wish you all the best for the upcoming season Martin!
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Words & Photos: Manne Schmitt