March 18/09 8:00 am - Team H&R Block-KONA Announces 2009 Team

Posted by Editoress on 03/18/09
 

Press release
Team H&R BLOCK and KONA-ADOBE have joined forces in 2009 to introduce the newly formed registered trade team, Team H&R BLOCK-KONA. The team is proud to announce its riders and marketing partners for the 2009 racing season. Both teams have enjoyed considerable success in prior years and with their strong new partnership, look to build on their momentum in 2009. With their increased presence at regional and National events, they will continue to build a dominant force in Canadian road, track and cyclo-cross racing.

The board of directors is pleased to announce the elite riders for the 2009 season:
Marcel Aarden, 22, Victoria; Mt Seymour and Mt Washington Hill Climb Champion
Dustin Andrews, 19, Calgary; 2008 Jr National Team member Nations Cup Quebec
Zach Garland, 23, St. Johns, NFLD; Stage Winner Tour de Quebec and Walla Walla
Alistair Howard, 30, Vancouver; Multiple National and Provincial Champion
Cyrus Kangarloo, 25, Kelowna; current Alberta Provincial Road Race Champion
Mark MacDonald, 23, Calgary; multiple National Track Championship medalist
Garrett McLeod, 20, Wolfville, NS; National Espoir TT Championship medalist
Chris McNeil, 31, Calgary; multiple National Championship medalist
Matt Potma, 20, Vancouver; multiple National Championship medalist in Track and TT
Michael Rothengatter, 20, Coquitlam; current BC Espoir TT Champion
Aaron Schooler, 24, Edmonton; National Cyclo-Cross team member

Strengthening the team on the regional front will be Robin Baillie, Shawn Goulet, Gideon Kristalka, Peter Lawrence and Zane Westerbeek.

Chris McNeil will continue in a leadership role as Team Captain; bringing experience and mentorship that is a huge asset in developing the team's riders.

Alistair Howard will take on the role of Directeur Sportif to oversee the Elite team. With his international race experience and leadership abilities, Alistair is excited to direct the team, "The team is full of raw young talent that is poised to take the next step and become the dominant team in Western Canada."

Returning for its fourth year as the primary marketing partner of the team is H&R Block, Canada's leading retail tax Preparation Company. KONA is providing road, TT and CX framesets as well as lifestyle clothing. Giordana partners with professional race clothing. FSA provides fast carbon and ceramic parts with their cranks, brakes, handlebar, stem, headsets and TT bars. Mavic wheels, Panaracer tires and fi'zi:k saddles complete the team bikes. The riders will be outfitted by Rudy Project for helmets and sunglasses and Sidi for shoes. Hammer Nutrition provides nutritional products; Yakima brings bicycle vehicle racks and Minoura, stationary trainers. Curious Communications provides website and clothing design.

Additional financial support is provided by Direct Cash with over 5,000 ATM machines across Canada; Scotiabank is one of North America's premier financial institutions and Canada's most international bank; Stikeman Elliott LLP Canadian law firm of the year in 2007; Student Price Card Canada's largest student discount program; SIX Real Estate Consultants - marketing strategists, creative professionals and industry experts with a proven record of success throughout Western Canada; Encore Publishing is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Navarre Corporation and a leading retail software publisher; Newalta is Canada's leading industrial waste management and environmental services company .

Team H&R BLOCK-KONA is privileged to have these partners share their passion and excitement and would like to thank them for their support and dedication to the team's riders and to the sport of cycling in Canada.