Fabien Barel is a rider who graduated from Kona's ranks. (Image credit: Wendy Booher)
Kona and Nissan have formed a partnership to sponsor European grassroots local and regional teams. The new program will provide access to the latest racing bikes, race day and casual team kits plus support at selected cross country, road, four cross, free ride and dirt jump events. Local Kona dealers will identify, recruit and manage team members.
"As a forward-thinking brand with a long history in racing, Kona is keen to identify future champions by supporting the up-and-coming riders from the grass roots of our sport," said Kona's marketing manager, Russell Carty. "We've all been at the start lines of our local races at 7:00 am battling our friends and we recognize the hard work and dedication that it takes to make it into the elite ranks of racing. We hope that with a little help we can help bring these local champions into the limelight."
Darren Cox, European Brand Promotion Manager for Nissan, which has long supported outdoor events like the Xterra triathlon series, said "Through this Grassroots program we are supporting we want to inspire adventure spirited people to get into bike racing throughout Europe."
The Kona/Nissan Grassroots program is currently available in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Austria, Poland, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, Spain, Ireland and South Africa. Team information and updates will be posted at www.kona-nissangrassroots.com.
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