KONA 2009 FACTORY MOUNTAIN BIKE TEAM ANNOUNCED

FROM KONA: Joe, a three-time Junior Welsh National Champion and 2008 IXS European series winner, holds an impressive track record which he looks to extend racing for Kona. A top 18 overall position at Schladming World Cup, and top five as a Junior at Schladming, Bromont, Mont-Sainte-Anne, Fort William and Valnord World Cups demonstrates that Joe is no average Joe when it comes to flying down DH courses. Professional coaching with winter training across the pond focused and developed Joe’s strength and conditioning for racing which will undoubtedly assist in producing great results this season. It is just a matter of time before Joe is standing atop the podium in a Kona jersey. One downfall: he might be too polite! 

Tree Farm, AKA Ryan Trebon, is back after winning the US National Cyclocross and overall NACT titles. Yes, Ryan’s still tall and fast. This year, Ryan’s schedule will include a few stops on the Kenda US Cup Series, the Downieville Classic, Kona’s 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo and a World Cup or four.

The other half of Kona’s Twin Timbers (with Ryan of course) is none other than Barry Wicks – who returns with his eyes locked on World Cup XC races. Barry will also return to the coveted BC Bike Race to defend his title with teammate Kris Sneddon and race in Arizona at the Old Pueblo. Like Ryan, Barry is still tall and fast.

Ripper Wendy Simms is back for another season of racing with Kona and will be focusing on multi-stage races this year. Fresh off her fourth Canadian National Cyclocross title, Wendy will look to defend her BC Bike Race title with husband Norman Thibault. Look to see Wendy flashing her infectious smile on more than a few podiums in 2009.

After an injury dampened part of his season last year, Kris Sneddon is back and will be joining Barry on the World Cup circuit, as well as at the BC Bike Race. Kris still loves beer, riding at a good clip and the sweet ballads of AC/DC.

Back for his ninth season on a Kona rig, hometown hero Erik Tonkin is slated to compete in a handful of Kenda US Cup Series races and will attempt his first solo 24-hour race at Old Pueblo. “It’ll be like racing 24 Cross races in a row,” he says. All of this on top of running his first-class bike shop Sellwood Cycles in Portland, OR. Watch out, Caveman Cometh.

Game on.

 

For more about Kona Bikes and the 2009 Factory Team cruise over to:www.konaworld.com