The inventors of the Leatt Brace now do so much more than just the neck brace, with clothing, helmets and lots more. The South African firm has announced its official 2018 Athletes which include Marvin Musquin and Brits Adam Sterry, Shaun Simpson, Jonny Walker and Brad Freeman. The full list announced by Leatt is:
SUPERCROSS/MOTOCROSS
Marvin Musquin (USA)
Marvin has worn the Leatt Neck Brace since 2007, over a decade later he has continued his relationship with Leatt and has taken on the 2018 season protected by the Leatt GPX 6.5 Carbon Neck Brace. “I remember in 2013 I had a big crash in the Toronto Supercross . . . I flew over the handlebars and landed on my head first and it was a big crash. After that, I checked my helmet and my Leatt brace and noticed that my neck brace was broken and I was fine, so it really did its job,” he says.
F&H Racing Kawasaki (Netherlands)
Leatt is Thrilled to announce its first MXGP team wearing Leatt apparel, gloves and body protection. F&H Racing Kawasaki team are based near the famous city of Gouda in the Netherlands with 3 great young riders all competing in the 2018 World Motocross Championships in the MX2 class.
- Adam Sterry – 21 years old from the UK, Adam is also a Leatt neck brace athlete.
- Jed Beaton – 20 years old from Australia.
- Ruben Fernández – 19 years old from Spain.
Shaun Simpson (UK)
Shaun has been a Leatt neck brace ambassador for many years now and we are delighted to continue the partnership, he is a team rider for the prestigious Wilvo Yamaha MXGP Team, competing in the world championship MXGP class.
Stefan Ekerold (Germany)
We welcome a new partnership with the young German talent that is Stefan Ekerold. Stefan is just 22 years old and will compete in the German ADAC MX Masters and all European MXGP World Championship rounds, riding his KTM SXF 450 in the MXGP class for KTM Sarholz. Stefan will wear Leatt helmet, apparel, gloves, knee braces and body protection.
Jago Geerts (Belgium)
At just 17 years old Jago Geerts is our newest Motocross neck brace athlete, and many critics choice to be the next big star from Belgium. Jago was snapped up by Kemea Yamaha, the official MX2 World Championship team on a multi-year deal beginning in 2018, we are all looking forward to watching the progress of this great young talent. Jago will compete in all rounds of the Motocross World Championships in the MX2 class.
Rene Hofer (Austria)
Talented Austrian rider Rene Hofer, is Leatt’s tip for the EMX 125 title this year. Now an official KTM athlete at just 16 years old, this happy, always smiling friendly kid will be wearing Leatt neck brace, knee brace and body protection, certainly one to watch for the future. As well as the European EMX 125 Championship, Rene will also contest the ADAC Youngsters Cup and selected Austrian Races on the bigger KTM SXF 250.
Cole Martinez (USA)
Cole Martinez, has returned to racing in the USA after spending part of 2017 in Europe where he was crowned the SX1 European Champion. Cole will race the Monster Energy AMA West 250 Supercross Series, and Lucas Oil Pro Motocross 250 Championship as a new member of the Leatt Family riding on the AJE Motorsports Husqvarna Team. Cole will wear Leatt’s apparel, gloves, body protection and X-Frame Knee Braces. “The Leatt gear is really light weight and comfy. The fit of the material is unreal!” says Martinez.
Lorenzo Locurcio (USA)
Venezuelan rider, Lorenzo Locurcio will take on his second year racing the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Series. For 2018 Locurcio will contend in the East Region 250 Series as part of the Leatt Family riding for the Rockford Fosgate TiLUBE Honda Race Team. Lorenzo will be dressed in Leatt’s apparel, gloves and body protection. “I am very impressed with the Leatt gear, it is so comfortable. I also like the original styles and designs. I’m excited to join the Leatt Family!” says Locurcio.
Garrett Marchbanks (USA)
Garrett at 16 years old, is a stand out amateur athlete capturing 8 Loretta Lynn Amateur National Championships. A Leatt Neck Brace and Knee Brace Athlete, Marchbanks enters 2018 looking to dominate the Amateur A class on board his Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki. Gaining his Road 2 Supercross points via the Amsoil Arenacross, we are looking forward to Garrett’s professional debut!
ENDURO/RALLY
Jonny Walker (UK)
Leatt is proud to continue its partnership with Jonny Walker for Leatt helmet, apparel, gloves, body protection and hydration. Jonny will compete in the World Enduro Indoor Championship as well as the newly established World Enduro Super Series (WESS) on his Redbull KTM Factory Racing machine. This new Championship will see Jonny take part in all disciplines of off road riding, Extreme, Traditional Enduro, Cross Country and also Beach racing against the best riders in the world, a true all-round Champion will be crowned after the eight-round series concludes in November!
Ryan Sipes (USA)
Leatt is excited to announce the re-signing of Ryan Sipes to the Leatt Family. Ryan will continue to wear the Leatt Helmet, apparel, gloves, neck brace, body protection and hydration for 2018. Sipes will focus on the Sprint Enduro Series for 2018 while competing in a handful of GNCC and Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Races. And will test his abilities in select Flat Track races. After being crowned the ISDE Individual Overall Winner in 2015, Ryan has his sights set on another victorious year in 2018 at the event in Chile.
Steward Baylor (USA)
Current NEPG National Enduro Champion Steward Baylor Jr. has trusted the Leatt neck brace and chest protector since 2007 and will continue as part of the Leatt Family for 2018. “Injury is a risk we take as racers, for myself I am one of the guys that will always race with a neck brace and chest protector. It’s not worth ruining the rest of my life over putting on something that easy.” Steward has been a strong competitor in the GNCC series as well, and is looking to capture a collection #1 plates on board his Tele Energy KTM.
Matthias Walkner (Austria)
After many years using the Leatt neck brace and protection we are pleased to be a partner with Matthias and help celebrate during the season he conquered arguably the toughest race in the world…. The Dakar Rally. After over 43 hours in the saddle over 14 stages in as many days Matthias was the overall winner aboard his Redbull KTM 450 Factory machine.
Christophe Charlier (France/Corsica)
For 2018 Christophe Charlier joins the Leatt family using neck brace, body protection and hydration. The Corsican decided to move from professional Motocross, to contest the 2017 World Enduro Championship, for 2018 as he joins Factory Beta. Christophe will be a real threat to his new team mate Steve Holcombe, with his eyes on his World Championship title!
Josep Garcia (Spain)
Josep Garcia was crowned the 2017 World Enduro E2 champion at just 20 years old. Riding for Factory KTM Josep will contest the World Enduro Super Series (WESS) this year using Leatt neck brace, body protection and hydration. Josep was also a successful Redbull Rookie road racer before turning his hand to Motocross and now Enduro, he just loves riding motorcycles!
Alfredo Gomez (Spain)
Alfredo is a Hard Enduro specialist, who was victorious at one of the toughest events in the calendar during 2017, the Erzberg Rodeo. Alfredo has chosen Leatt neck brace and body protection whilst riding his Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory machine, the super tough Spaniard will be fighting for the wins at each round of the WESS.
Adam McGill (USA)
Adam “The Gator” McGill continues to be a Leatt neck brace and helmet ambassador for 2018. “I have been wearing Leatt products for 10 years and would never ride unprotected again. The speeds we go and the obstacles we encounter would make me second guess with other equipment. In 2016 I added the Leatt Helmet to my list of safety equipment with the Leatt Neck Brace. The fit and finish of their products along with their customer support and product development keep me coming back year after year.” McGill will compete in the GNCC ATV Series.
Brad Freeman (UK)
Brad Freeman took the 2017 Junior World Enduro Championship at the last round with his never give in attitude aboard his Boano Racing Beta, now 21, Brad moves into the adult class using Leatt neck brace, body protection and hydration.
FMX
Dany Torres (Spain)
2018 is the second consecutive year with Dany for Leatt helmet, apparel, gloves, neck brace and body protection. 2018 didn’t start as planned for Dany as an old injury in his foot reoccurred resulting in surgery. Dany’s aim is to back on the bike in April and up to his old ‘tricks’, backflips and nac nacs!
