LONDON, UK — Saracen has officially joined forces with the Firecrest MTB Young Rider Development Programme (DeVo) to help foster the next generation of elite downhill mountain bikers in the UK. The collaboration brings together two respected names in British mountain biking, creating a stronger platform for young talent to develop and thrive.
The 2025 Firecrest DeVo team will feature four rising stars: Lucienne Turner (15), Ollie Laurie (16), Hugo Burleigh (14), and Henry Kirby (12). With Saracen and affiliated brands now backing the program, these young athletes will benefit from enhanced resources and support as they progress in their racing careers.
Firecrest MTB DeVo, led by veteran coach Ian Warby, has long been regarded as one of the UK’s premier youth development programs. Since launching DeVo in the early 2000s, Warby has played a vital role in identifying and coaching many of the country’s top junior downhill racers. After a brief hiatus in 2007, he returned to coaching full-time in 2015 and relaunched the program with renewed focus.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic and the temporary closure of Aston Hill Bike Park posed significant challenges, Warby successfully moved operations to Rushmere Country Park. There, the program has continued to grow and inspire a new wave of young riders.
Through its partnership with Firecrest, Saracen will provide team members with its elite-level Myst downhill bikes. Riders will also receive full technical and race-day support from a suite of sponsors, including Madison Clothing, Lazer, and Shimano.
This new alliance marks a major step forward in the development of grassroots mountain biking in the UK and reinforces Saracen’s commitment to investing in future champions.