Fuji Bicycles Enters Elite Triathlon Ranks
PHILADELPHIA, PA (January 5, 2004)—Fuji Bicycles announced today their entry into the world of elite triathlon racing by inking a long-term sponsorship deal with top pro, Matt Reed, the reigning U.S. Elite National Champion. Reed will be riding and racing on Fuji’s full-carbon Team Issue road model. The exclusive bike sponsorship agreement runs through 2008.
'We wanted to showcase our high-performance carbon bikes to triathletes so we went straight to the top,' said Fuji President, Pat Cunnane. 'Matt is an exceptional athlete with an equally exceptional performance record. We’re really happy with the level of commitment and professionalism he brings to the sport. Plus,' he added, 'the guy’s 6’5'. I don’t think we could’ve partnered with a more impressive spokesperson for Fuji.'
Reed, a New Zealand native who switched countries in June 2004 won the U.S. Elite National title that same year. Although considered by some to be one of the best all-around athletes in the world of triathlon, Reed has shown he is a top contender in the biking leg in the past couple of seasons. He won his first major event in 2001, dominating the French Irontour. Reed has posted podium finishes in the USA and internationally and has over 10 years of international professional racing experience. His brother, Shane, is also a top-ranked triathlete and rides for New Zealand.
With aspirations of making the U.S. Olympic Team in 2008, Reed has set his sights on the ITU World Championships in 2005. 'I’m hoping to have winning performances this year, and stand on the podium in Gamagori at Worlds. I am elated to get to do it on Fuji’s Team Issue. I’m looking forward to being able to ride on a bike that is super light but still strong enough to accommodate a rider my size. I am proud to represent Fuji.'
Reed’s season begins in Honolulu at the ITU World Cup Honolulu Triathlon on April 17th. The rest of Reed’s 2005 schedule will include Escape from Alcatraz, World Cup Matazlan, World Cup Ishigaki and the Chicago Triathlon. He is also looking forward to defending his winning titles at U.S Nationals, Pacific Grove Triathlon and Treasure Island Triathlon. For more information on Reed’s schedule, check his website www.mattyreed.com.
Contact: Karen Bliss, 215.824.3854 ext. 1104, kbliss@fujibikes.com
'We wanted to showcase our high-performance carbon bikes to triathletes so we went straight to the top,' said Fuji President, Pat Cunnane. 'Matt is an exceptional athlete with an equally exceptional performance record. We’re really happy with the level of commitment and professionalism he brings to the sport. Plus,' he added, 'the guy’s 6’5'. I don’t think we could’ve partnered with a more impressive spokesperson for Fuji.'
Reed, a New Zealand native who switched countries in June 2004 won the U.S. Elite National title that same year. Although considered by some to be one of the best all-around athletes in the world of triathlon, Reed has shown he is a top contender in the biking leg in the past couple of seasons. He won his first major event in 2001, dominating the French Irontour. Reed has posted podium finishes in the USA and internationally and has over 10 years of international professional racing experience. His brother, Shane, is also a top-ranked triathlete and rides for New Zealand.
With aspirations of making the U.S. Olympic Team in 2008, Reed has set his sights on the ITU World Championships in 2005. 'I’m hoping to have winning performances this year, and stand on the podium in Gamagori at Worlds. I am elated to get to do it on Fuji’s Team Issue. I’m looking forward to being able to ride on a bike that is super light but still strong enough to accommodate a rider my size. I am proud to represent Fuji.'
Reed’s season begins in Honolulu at the ITU World Cup Honolulu Triathlon on April 17th. The rest of Reed’s 2005 schedule will include Escape from Alcatraz, World Cup Matazlan, World Cup Ishigaki and the Chicago Triathlon. He is also looking forward to defending his winning titles at U.S Nationals, Pacific Grove Triathlon and Treasure Island Triathlon. For more information on Reed’s schedule, check his website www.mattyreed.com.
Contact: Karen Bliss, 215.824.3854 ext. 1104, kbliss@fujibikes.com