Ann Arbor, MI December 16th, 2008 - Kenda USA has announced that it is renewing their sponsorship of the US based mountain bike team for the third year after assuming title sponsorship from Ford Motor Company in 2007. Jim Wannamaker, Kenda USA North American Marketing Director - Bicycle Division says that continued sponsorship for the team is not only important for Kenda, but also for the continued success of the sport in North America. "Despite the economic downturn, we made a conscious decision to support our flagship team of athletes who are as committed to the sport as we are." Wannamaker said. Indeed, in addition to the team sponsorship, Kenda will play an important role in all of the major US races next season with sponsorship of the US Cup series of races being held across the country with a finale in Las Vegas coinciding with Interbike.
Sponsors:
Joining Kenda this season will be Tomac Bikes. Athletes will have the option of riding the Type-X carbon hard tail or the Carbide full-suspension bike. "This partnership brings full circle the relationship between Kenda and Tomac as a new generation of athletes ride the bikes of a mountain bike pioneer and legend." said Joel Smith, Tomac Bikes COO. Hayes Bicycle Group, back for a second season with the team. They will showcase products from all their divisions including Hayes Brakes, Manitou suspension, Sun Ringle wheels and Answer bars and stems. Other sponsors include: Voler team clothing, WickWerks cranksets, KMC Chains, Specialized helmets and shoes, Crank Brothers pedals, Ergon grip and packs, HydraPak and GelBot hydration products, Finish Line lubricants and cleaning products, Genuine Innovations inflation products, Kinesys sunscreen products, Joan C. Banfield Foundation, and Mighty Good Coffee.
Athletes:
The team has several returning athletes along with two new recruits and will focus on a mix of endurance and ultra-endurance racing. "This diverse group gives us the flexibility to compete in a broad range of events from the US Cup and the NUE Series to single day epics like Leadville and stage races like the American Mountain Bike Classic." says team director David Myers. Several members of the team also plan on competing at the two World Cup races in Canada. The team will also be present at the Kenda Fest in Hancock, MA
2009 Team
Zephanie Blasi, Frenchtown, MT
Colin Cares, U23, Colorado Springs, CO
Amanda Carey, Victor, ID
Heather Holmes, Salt Lake City, UT
Danielle Musto, Grand Rapids, MI
Andy Schultz, Tucson, AZ
Kathy Sherwin, Heber City, UT
David Myers, Director
Ted Bentley, Mechanic and Event Manager
Wendy Caldwell, Community Programs