December 17/08 4:05 am - KONA Bicycles and Giordana Back on Board to Support Team H&R BLOCK-KONA

Posted by Editoress on 12/17/08
 

KONA Bicycles and Giordana Back on Board to Support Team H&R BLOCK-KONA
Courtesy Team H&R BLOCK-KONA

After a successful first season with the KONA-ADOBE Road Cycling Team, KONA has agreed to a multiple year deal with the newly merged Team H&R BLOCK-KONA. The team will be building on the national and provincial championships earned in 2008 with an elite team of eleven athletes, focusing on espoir and U26 riders. National team spots for world championships in road, time trial, track and cyclocross are in the works with a racing calendar emphasizing national championships, BC and Alberta racing as well as some US events.

"Continuing our relationship with the program was a natural step as they provide a platform for our top level road and cyclocross bicycles" states Trevor Porter of Kona. "Although we are mostly known for our off road two wheelers, we have a rich history of road bicycles. Look out for some exciting product developments to be put to the test by the team in 2009." Co-team manager Paul Blanchette concurs "Kona provided some incredible team framesets in 2008, so we can't wait to see the 2009's. They share the same passion for performance, team work and professionalism that our program has been built on since inception seven years ago".

H&R BLOCK - Canada's leading retail tax preparation company is excited to return as the title sponsor as team management ramps up the program. "With the support of H&R BLOCK and KONA and all of our amazing marketing partners, our newly merged team is well positioned to become one of the premier teams in Canada" co-team manager Todd McCallum adds. "H&R BLOCK has been pivotal in supporting our program over the past three years they continue to be passionate about assisting our athletes achieve their goals of becoming some of the finest athletes in Canada".

Giordana has once again stepped up their support of a Canadian Cycling Team by providing the best clothing to help riders achieve success at the highest levels. "We are extremely pleased to have Team H&R Block-Kona wearing our equipment," said Bronko Glavich of Uno Imports, Canadian distributors of Giordana cycling apparel. "We strive to align our brands with professional organizations in Canada that recognize top quality products and understand the benefits they offer". Under the direction of Paul Blanchette and Todd McCallum, the H&R Block-Kona team personifies this mindset.

Aside from racing, Team H&R BLOCK-KONA has a long standing reputation of charitable efforts with their race organization in both Alberta and British Columbia. In BC the team will raise funds for the MS Society through participation in the MS ride and their continued organization of the Fort Langley CycloCross Classic MS Fundraiser and in Alberta they will continue to organize events to raise funds for the "Kids for Cancer" charity.

More team news coming soon including full partnership announcements and rider introductions. The launch of the new team website will be in early 2009. Check the current team websites to learn more about the previous programs:

www.teamhrblock.ca
www.steamerracing.ca

For more information on the team email info@teamhrblock.ca