Sid Taberlay’s 2011 Privateer Program Under the Banner of Kenda / H2O Overdrive
3/4/11 - Pro mountain biker, Sid Taberlay has announced that he has put his own privateer program together for 2011, that is comprised of current and past relationships. Sid is an Athens Olympian, 6x National Champion and World Championship Medalist.
Sid said, “I have been fortunate enough to spend the better part of a decade traveling the world racing my bike, and this year I wanted to continue that tradition but I also wanted to do something a little different. Although I am a competitive person, I actually get the most satisfaction by being able to give back to my supporters, friends and family. They have also shared in the hard work to get me where I am today and this is turn lead to my desire to continue long-standing friendships and relationships in the industry. Having spent pretty much my life riding Rockshox / Sram and Rob Eva always having my back, I knew he and John Dawson were a good place to start. A continuing relationship with Randy at H2O Overdrive and positive discussions with Steve Blick at Oakley, Jason at Crankbrothers and Dennis at Yor Health gave me a strong foundation to build upon.”
“Perhaps the biggest influence in allowing me the opportunity to make my own program a reality is Jim Wannamaker at Kenda. Jim’s always been very supportive in handing me a tube or tire in times of need and I’m looking forward to being able to build that friendship further, as well as running the best range of tires going around. I then reached out to a previous connection at Easton Bell Sports and was put in contact with Sean Estes. Now I get to run Easton wheels, bars, stems and seat posts, as well as Giro helmets, shoes and gloves. A call to fellow Tasmanian, Ben Fitzmaurice, the Skins cycling director and I find myself not only in the most comfortable chamois I’ve ever ridden in, I also get to ride in the most technologically advance lycra with their new C400 series. Having used the Arione back in 2006/07, I was keen to look after my butt and get back on the ever-comfortable Arione, through Suzette. To complete the bike package, past competitor and all around nice guy, Paul Rowney, only took a split second once he knew that I was lining up my own program to offer support in Yeti frames. Yeti is a company that has a long history of making the best MTB specific frames for the best racers and I am grateful to be joining the strong Australian Yeti legacy,” Sid added.
Taberlay who announced his new privateer program and sponsors for 2011
recently competed in the Australian National Championships.
“On one hand I’m on a path to a different direction and I am sure I am going to miss some of the infrastructure of a team. On the other hand it is a return to my roots, when I first started traveling to races at a National and International level where I had to be resourceful and create opportunities for myself. It brings back memories of my first trip to Europe. Being on a shoe-string budget at the time, I had to catch the train to the closest station to the race, ride to the start, organize my entry and someone to do my feed, all in a foreign language that I did not speak. With the support of Rob and Dylan at Sram Australia and Jim at Kenda USA at the races I’m sure I won’t be doing anything that drastic in the foreseeable future. Having now finalized everything for 2001, I’m looking forward to a great battle with friend and archrival, Chris Jongewaard, at the Aussie National Championships.”
Stay tuned for Sid’s report on the Aussie Nationals Championships.
