Schwinn Re-Signs Dirt Jumping Legend TJ Lavin

“MADISON, Wis. – December 20, 2005 – TJ Lavin is one talented guy, and Schwinn Bicycles has re-signed him to showcase his talents with the Schwinn brand. Growing up in Las Vegas, TJ was drawn to BMX racing as a young child, and showed potential as a top contender almost immediately. He soon discovered dirt jumping and before long found almost unparalleled success, having been crowned the “”King of Dirt”" in 1995. In the X Games he has medalled several times over, taking the bronze three times, the silver once, and the gold twice, his most recent medal being in 2004. He has also been a DK Dirt Circuit Champ, a champion in the Gravity Games, and a CFB Champion.”"Im excited to represent the Schwinn brand, said Lavin. Schwinns been really good to me for the past few years and Im glad to stay in the family. Outside of his successes on the track, TJ has also developed a plethora of talents off the track. He has appeared on Cribs and stared in a documentary film. He is also featured in his own video game, MTV Sports: TJ Lavin’s Ultimate BMX. Lavin is also a music producer. He has a studio in his home, and has worked with several young talents who are on the rise in the music industry, as well as producing his own tracks. He has shown a real gift for music, having taught himself to play the piano purely by ear. TJ Lavin is truly a young man on the make, poised to launch him self to even greater heights in the very near future. The tropical island of Tobago is the setting for the latest showdown between Real World and Road Rules alumni. This time around, it’s “”Rookies”" versus “”Veterans,”" as ambitious Challenge newcomers face off against seasoned pros for a total of over $300,000 in cash and prizes. Lavin leads the teams through ever-more-difficult challenges, including the dreaded Gauntlet, where teammate battles teammate to avoid elimination. So far the ratings are up 16% from the past season, so that’s great, and I’m pretty sure my relationship with MTV is going to be a long and successful one, said Lavin. There are 16 weeks of fun-filled madness re-running pretty much everyday so be sure to check it out. TJ has a lot of irons in the fire, but that doesnt diminish his passion for the sport and his desire to win. My goals for 06 are simple: Dew tour Championship. It’s the only title ever to exist in dirt jumping that I haven’t won and I’m real excited about focusing on that. I plan on entering everything possible and doing really well at them. I’ve been riding like crazy and everything seems to be lining up nicely. TJ says his highlights in 2005 included the Denver Dew Tour stop and the X Games. This was my 10th X Games in a row and placing in the Top 5 was an accomplishment in itself. These days the bar is set so high that making the cut isn’t just a walk in the park for any of us. TJ is riding the TJ Lavin Schwinn signature bike in 2006. I’m really glad Schwinn and I stayed together. I think the fit is perfect for both and I’m stoked on the changes for the new line. Look for TJ as Host of MTVs Real World / Road Rules Challenge”