E_News_Clump08

KONA FREERIDE TEAM READY TO LOG AIR TIME IN 2008
CLUMP Riders Bring Focused Expertise to Top Freeride Comps

FERNDALE, Washington, (Jan. 29, 2008) – Bringing a hungry and focused attitude to the freeride bike world, the Kona CLUMP Freeride Team is set and ready to roll into the big hits and challenging courses for the 2008 season. Returning many talented athletes to this years competition stage, the riders have been logging countless hours of training, have rested and rehabilitated their injuries and are fueled to get back in the saddle to not only enjoy what they love to do, but also win.

The Kona CLUMP Freeride Team has a big schedule in store for the upcoming season, commencing in February with the John “Uncle Crusty” Cowan inspired SoCal Super Tour that has grown to incorporate both southern and northern California. To prepare for 2008, riders have participated in numerous early season training sessions and local competitions while visiting Kona dealers and team sponsors.

The team is slated to participate in many of the marquee freeride competitions which include Kokanee Crankworx in Whistler, British Columbia, the Nissan Qashqai Series in and throughout Europe and Crankworx Colorado. The team’s top two performers, Paul Basagoitia and Andreu Lacondeguy, both have their goals set on improving on their 2007 performances while dishing out some new aerobatics along the way.

In his fourth season riding for the CLUMP team, Basagoitia has his eyes fixed on the top spot of the Qashqai Series Overall title. “Bas” took second in the series last year with the chase for the overall win coming down to the final event – where he narrowly missed the crown. He’ll also be looking to make his way back onto the podium at the Kokanee Crankworx Slopestyle event – a comp that he’s won twice before.

Cruising into their second season with the team, the Lacondeguy brothers, Andreu and Lluis, are poised to have a breakout year.
Andreu has been raising the bar ever since he exploded onto the freeride scene in 2006. His aggressive riding style, fearless mentality and array of skillful tricks go along with his larger-than-life personality. He has quickly become a fan and media favorite and has the results to match. Andreu took second at the Kokanee Crankworx in 2007 and first at the Qashqai Dirt event in Milan, Italy.

Lluis continues to refine his tricks and riding style and is looking to improve his performance in 2008. He flows with confidence and excels during the video and filming sessions. Lluis is looking to make that translate over to the Dirt Jump and Slopestyle Competitions in 2008.

Also in his second season with the CLUMP crew is Grant “Chopper” Fielder. Fielder makes the most of his riding season and puts some serious time in on the Animal Demo tour throughout Europe. He has demonstrated the ability to compete in the grandest of competitions and has the potential to put together his best year yet.

Finally, CLUMP team manager Cowan will continue to offer his sage advice throughout the year to all riders. He has been a solid force and excels in Dirt Jump and Slopestyle events. With competition days behind him, “Uncle Crusty” hasn’t lost his touch and always finds time to show the youngsters he can still pull off some nasty tricks when the mood strikes. Cowan will be a stabilizing figure for the team throughout the season.

About the Kona Bicycle Company: The Kona Bicycle Company designs, manufacturers and distributes more than 60 models of purpose-built, high-performance mountain, road and urban bicycles. Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Ferndale, Washington, Kona bicycles are distributed worldwide in more than 60 countries through independent specialty bicycle dealers. Kona funds several professional road, mountain and cyclo-cross racing teams that include World Cup Champions, World Champions and National Champions. www.konaworld.com

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