"I still remember the phone call from Bobby the team manager very clearly, 'Dylan how would you like to join the team for the World Cups to Offenburg and Houffalize as a team mechanic' my immediate answer was a distinct yes and what was to be just a few World Cups is turning out to be the full season with Specialized Factory Racing.

I write now having just returned homefrom Europe and it's been an awesome ride so far...one doesn't become part of a team in one day so getting to know the riders and team staff over the last 2 weeks has been an interesting but fun experience. Madrid in 3 weeks time will no doubt lead to plenty more laughs being shared around the dinner table where the local speciality from the nearest brewery will inevitably be sampled.

The S-works Epic is indeed a masterpiece and getting a more indepth knowledge from Benno and Sandy has been challenging at times but so rewarding when you step back and know that you have played a small roll in giving the riders the best bike in the world on the start line. The work and race ethic that the riders aspire to makes the long hours of polishing and perfection such a pleasurable experience though...

Having a fellow South African Burry Stander on the team is cool and communicating in our local lingo often has some of the other team members left with big frowns and wondering if we're speaking of bike setup or gossiping about them.

Enjoying some down time now before the trip back to Europe next week for round #4 in Madrid...we'll speak again"