GT Announces Dirt Coalition Team
GT announced it's 2009 Dirt Coalition Team late last week. The team includes 40 dedicated off-road riders from all parts of the United States. Each member will race and represent GT Bicycles and the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) at a minimum of six mountain bike races during the 2009 season.
“Amateurs are the unsung heroes of mountain bike racing,” said Jenni Cathcart, Director of Marketing for GT Bicycles. “The GT Dirt Coalition rewards their competitive spirit and commitment to cycling.”
Each GT Dirt Coalition member will receive a high-end race machine: GT’s iconic Zaskar Pro hardtail ($3499.99) with GT signature triple triangle frame design or the Marathon Pro ($4299.99), GT’s lightweight full suspension bike utilizing GT’s Independent Drivetrain suspension system. Both models feature a monocoque carbon fiber frame and XT components. Members also receive a 10x10 Dirt Coalition tent, two race kits and GT swag. The sponsorship package is valued at $4,200-$5000.
View the full GT Dirt Coalition roster below:
Adam Cohen- Fort Washington PA
Adam St. Germain- Burlington VT
Arthur "Art" Roti- Granby CT
Bob Saffell- Salt Lake CIty UT
Brad Wilhelm- Elyria OH
Brian De Groodt- Ladera Ranch CA
Bryan Brusick- San Pedro CA
Cary Wenger- Orrville OH
Chris Horton- Sacramento CA
Christopher Danz- Chapel Hill NC
Colby Moeller- Tucson AZ
Dan Porter- Fort Collins CO
Daniel Kindregan- Englewood CO
Dave Walker- Fairview Park OH
Dean Meyer- Covelo CA
Don Morehouse- Reno NV
Eric Latimer- North Port FL
Harold Green- Hatfield MA
Heather Rizzi- Niskayuna NY
Ivan Anderholm- Hermiston OR
Jay Stothman- St Louis MO
Jerry Long- Moscow ID
Jim Thomas- San Antonio TX
Joe Burtoni- Durango CO
Joel Baty- Truckee CA
John Royson- Albany CA
Jonathan Schottler- Columbia MO
Katherine Evans- Concord NH
Keith Defriebre- Prunedale CA
Laura Johnson- Golden CO
Lee Unwin- Madison WI
Marty Caviano- Longmont CO
Mike Belfonti- Slatington PA
Mike Daubenspeck- North Conway NH
Peter DeSantis- Candia NH
Ryan Amirault- Denver CO
Ryan Krayer- North Freedom WI
Timothy Hotchkiss- Forreston IL
Will Verbarg- Saint Louis MO
Willie Rivera- San Antonio TX
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MTB Legend Ned Overend to lead Just for Fun Ride at Fontana Kenda Cup West/Pro XCT eventThe U.S. Cup has just confirmed that Ned Overend, the 1990 World Cross-Country Champion and six time NORBA National champion will lead out the Just for Fun rideout at the Fontana KENDA CUP WEST/Pro XCT tour event on March 29th.
The U.S. Cup presented by Specialized has just recently added the J.F.F. class to help bring more mountain bikers into the fold of racing. This no pressure, non scored event is truly for the first time rider/racer looking to get their feet wet, while riding some of the less technical sections of the course that the PRO XCT tour riders will race later that day. The cost is only twenty five dollars and riders receive a number plate and Kenda Swag bag.
The Just-For-Fun ride will run at 10:45am on Sunday, just before the Pro XCT women set to blast off at 11:30 am. The JFF course will give riders the opportunity to see what its like to line up on the starting line at Fontana and ride an abbreviated loop using some of the same sections used by the more “hardcore” racers throughout the weekend. The JFF is open to all ages and skill levels. We would ask that riders entering the JFF at least have some experience on a bicycle, be free of health problems and be able to ride for 15-30 minutes.
“We are honored to have a living legend like Ned Overend come out and escort our Just-For-Fun ride, states Ty Kady, U.S. Cup marketing director. “The whole concept of the JFF is to give people some exposure to the sport of mountain biking at a low pressure and much less technical level than that of our more hardcore race enthusiasts. We are hoping that friends, family and kids of racers will bring out their bikes and join us for an abbreviated lap out at Fontana.”
“When the staff over at the U.S. Cup asked if I would lead out the Just-For-Fun ride out at Fontana, I was all over the idea, claims Overend. “I think the concept is great and I hope it really starts to gain momentum, because I think it’s what the sport needs to bring in more riders at the entry level.”
Riders wanting to enter the Fontana Just for Fun ride may enter at Sports Base Online.
https://www.sportsbaseonline.com/Item.aspx?item_id=3114
The US Cup will also be offering the JFF at all other Kenda Cup West events, excluding Sea Otter. Riders wishing to register for those events may go onto Sports Base Online as well.
