There has been a lot of speculation lately on what Chris will be riding in the nationals this year. We saw his impressive ride at the Cartersville season opener on the new Montesa 4RT. He has since officially moved to the Gas Gas team and sent out this annoucement....

To all my friends and fans that have followed me, provided encouragement, and remained true throughout the years, I would like you to know that I am leaving the Montesa team but it is on a positive note because Montesa is what got me where I am today. For this, I will always be grateful to Martin Belair, who has been my sponsor, my coach, my minder, and my friend since I started seriously competing at Nationals in the High School Class in 1997. We have covered a lot of territory together and I will always cherish those memories. Recently, I helped Martin do a press release and a test of the new 2005 four-stroke at the Trials Training Center. The bike looks sleek and rode very impressively. I was also privileged to ride the Cota 4RT in two trials, one at the STRA event in Georgia and the other at an FTA round in Florida. Both days were awesome rides for me and the bike performed really well. Even though my contract with US Montesa has come to an end, please understand that it does not affect the friendship between me and Martin, or any other Montesa riders. But, I have a new sponsor now and I am anxiously looking forward to the start of the new season. Since the rumor appears to already be out, I would just like to confirm that you will see me aboard the 2005 Pro, as I am now riding for Gas Gas USA and Dale Malasek. I look forward to seeing you soon and I wish you the best. Chris Florin