Here’s a teaser for Ben Hucke’s upcoming Diamondback welcome edit. He also has an interview on ESPN where he talks about what this year holds for him:

“I’m actually on my way to Austin now to film for Dan’s with Stew. I don’t have to decide what clips go where. Stew’s clips go to Dan’s Comp. And for Shadow I’m filming with Ryan Chadwick and all those will go to Shadow. No talks of a DVD with DB yet, but we’re focusing a lot on our projects for the web right now. This is the first year I’ve ever gotten to just ride my bike and nothing else. No working on anything — just filming and I’m damn excited.”

And finally there’s a day edit of Ben and Codie Larson in LA after the jump.

We broke the news that Ben Hucke had been added to the Diamondback team over the weekend but DB just made it official with a new ad and a press release:

“Diamondback BMX would like to officially welcome Ben Hucke to the Pro Team. Ben calls Portland, OR home when he is not out traveling the world searching for spots. With street and park as his focus he is a perfect addition to the team. Ben is currently wrapping up a “Welcome ” web edit and getting ready for a full year of filming for The Shadow and Dan’sComp full length videos. We also have a Pro Model Frame already in the works. Needless to say 2012 is going to be busy for him. –Hammond

“I’ve ridden for a few different companies in the 14 years I’ve been sponsored, I’ve ridden for little guys and I’ve ridden for the big guys. Most recently Sputnic, who opened a lot of doors for me and gave me my first signature frame. Although Sputnic didn’t work out I’m still thankful for everything and so stoked to still be part of the Sparkys family, riding for Shadow! I’ve learned over the years it’s all about friends, doing what you love and helping each other out to reach each other’s goals. I’m where I am now because of the friendships built during those years. Shadow, Almond, Dan’sComp, DeftFamily, FG and now my friends at DiamondBack have welcomed me in. I couldn’t ask for a better group supporting me doing what I love, I’m more motivated than ever to ride my bike every day and still; BMX is the most fun thing I’ve ever done. I’m so proud to say I’m close friends with everyone that works for each and every one of my sponsors, thus making the possibilities of good times an memories endless. Thank you Diamondback, Mike Hammond, Darin Read, Nate Berkheimer, Diogo Canina, Matt Closson and everyone else at DB for most importantly, expanding my bmx family. Good times to come!”–Ben

Check the new ad after the jump.

Instagram coming through with the news before anyone else. My sources say this will be official early next week.

If you didn’t see this coming, you haven’t been paying attention. Ben was out here riding a couple weeks ago and weighing his new sponsor options, no clue who he picked but I’m sure we’ll all know soon. Here’s his statement:

“I just wanted to take a moment to give thanks and let everyone know that as of this week I will no longer be riding for Sputnic. I can’t thank Ronnie and the whole Sparkys family for the opportunity they’ve provided me over the past two years. Being teammates with Rickey Bates and Tony Neyer was the best and I’ll never forget how much fun we all had together, with that being said I’m also ready to move on and see where it takes me. I’m excited and have a lot of new energy coming into this year, I’ll be filming two full length video parts; ShadowBmx w/Ryan Chadwick and Danscomp w/ Stew Johnson over the next 18 months. Psyched to be out traveling, seeing and meeting friends all over, overall just having fun riding bikes.

Ps. Brett <3"

Awwww.

Ben Hucke always produces for his edits, but what new hell are these strobing orange and yellow frames throughout the video? It literally hurt my eyes to watch. Looks like some sort of film burn filter in fast forward. I’d love to see a version of this edit without the effect over the footage, because I can barely pay attention to the riding as it is currently.

UPDATE (from Adam): Well, shit just got real:

“Another year in the books and to celebrate, we decided to put some of our favorite clips from the year into one special edit. This one goes out to Rickey Bates. Happy Birthday buddy, we miss you! Thanks for the love and we hope you enjoy it!“- Shadow

Hucke’s been kicking it over at the OSS compound for the past few days and then boom, today he has a new edit promoting his signature set of Almond’s, The Belmont. Check the cameo by his 3 year old son, Levi.

Shadow’s heavy hitting team of Ben Hucke, Seth K, Trey Jones, Lahsaan and Simone Barraco hit up some shops and skateparks, as well as some local street spots on the east coast for this edit.

“Check out the lookbook from our Keep it Local North East Tour featuring Trey Jones, Seth Kimbrough, Simone Barraco, Ben Hucke, Lahsaan Kobza, and Ryan Sher. We hit up the 2×4 store, Ed’s Bike Shop, and Pennskate and had a blast. The full edit of the trip will be dropping next Wednesday, December 7th and it’s going to be fire!“- Shadow