It has been just over a year since the inception of Team GHOST and the team has already competed in a number of local races, surprising not only themselves but the cycling fraternity with the results they’ve already achieved.

In 2011, the team will move up a gear with the support of their new title sponsor, DO IT NOW Magazine.

Says Francois Flamengo, DO IT NOW owner, “I jumped at the opportunity to become the title sponsor of these up-and-coming cycling sensations for 2011, as the individuals involved and DO IT NOW share common goals and ideals. The team’s professionalism, dynamism, energy and passion are reflective of everything that DO IT NOW stands for. In addition, it’s an exciting sport to be associated with and just as importantly, there’s the fun factor; something which is often lacking in so many professional outfits these days, and very much a part of why we do what we do. A perfect fit, and more than enough reason to get involved and DO IT NOW.”

DO IT NOW will also act as the media partner for Team GHOST DO IT NOW by publishing monthly tips, tricks and training advice from these pros, as well as race reports and behind the scenes information about the team throughout the year, on its website and in the magazine.

Added Francois, “We are super amped and can’t wait to see the team in action next year.” The team looks set to turn next year’s racing season into an interesting one as they have their sights firmly set on finishing in the top positions.

“We’ll see you at the races!”

Other sponsors supporting the team for the 2011 season are GHOST-Bikes, Velotex, Continental Tyres South Africa, Oakley Sunglasses, Crank Brothers, FiT Nutrition and Ballistic Bike Trading. It is only through the collective efforts and continued support of these great brands that make it possible for the team to race and perform at their best.

GHOST-Bikes International supports this initiative in southern Africa and Jens Steinhäuser, Marketing Manager for GHOST-Bikes International, comments: “GHOST-Bikes is a company that prides itself on exceptional attention to detail and the manufacture of some the coolest bikes in the world. The team’s results over the last 12 months speak for themselves and we are very happy to be able to support our local distributor in their efforts to secure market share and assist the team when they compete locally and internationally next year. The 2011 race bikes for Team GHOST DO IT NOW will undoubtedly be the best looking bikes on the local circuit, as they are super light and very reliable.”

The team’s nutritional needs will be taken care of by FiT nutritional products, the thinking athletes choice. Ensuring that the team has a clear vision of what is expected from them during the 2011 season, Oakley SA will provide these elite athletes with premium eyewear for on and off the bike activities. Continental’s tyres will keep the team swiftly rolling, rolling, rolling over the little bumps in the road, and Crank Brothers’ support will see them power pedalling to the finish line by providing them with the lightest and most reliable pedals available. Velotex has committed to making sure that they look really good at the races, with specially designed and manufactured kit that is sure to set the benchmark that others will want to follow.

Jason Theunissen, Team Patron and co owner of Ballistic Bike Trading commented: "Ballistic Bike Trading the exclusive distributors of GHOST-Bikes, ESI Grips, Chamois Butt’r, Buh Bump, Purple Extreme, Golden Degreaser, Zero Goo, Zero Flats, Halo Headband and Sock Guy Socks are behind the team 100%. It’s more than a business decision, this mountain biking sponsorship, it’s driven by Ballistic Bike Trading’s passion to take the sport to a new level of professionalism and, in the process, give talented South African mountain bike racers new opportunities to achieve their potential."

Theunissen echoes the sentiments of the partners involved: “Without the support from any of the above mentioned brands and individuals, it would be much more difficult to get where we want to be – right at the top! We trust that the structure and systems in place will manage the return on investment for everyone involved.”