Kestrel Bicycles, the bike brand owned by Advanced Sports International (ASI), has re-signed 20-time Ironman 70.3 winner, 2-time USAT Triathlete of the Year and former Olympian Andy Potts to a two-year sponsorship agreement.
Since joining Kestrel in November 2010, Potts has earned 15 professional victories – including the 2011 Race to the Toyota Cup Series title, his fifth Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon win (the most wins of any male in the race’s history), and three consecutive Ironman 70.3 California victories.
“I have been on a Kestrel for the most productive years of my triathlon career and that is no mistake,” said Potts. “There is something special about getting on a bike and just knowing that it is the right one for you. That’s exactly what Kestrel bikes have done for me.”
In 2013, Potts tallied wins at Ironman 70.3 Timberman, Ironman Lake Placid (first ever male to defend the title), Ironman 70.3 California and Eagleman 70.3 – all aboard his Kestrel 4000.
In spring 2014, Potts will race a revamped Kestrel 4000 designed with his critical input. This bike will launch in the Kestrel 2015 line-up – with more details to come on this in the New Year.
“I’m really looking forward to continue riding the 4000, with an eye toward the future of tri bikes,” explained Potts. “The triathlon community deserves a brand that is committed to the sport, providing all of the things triathletes look for in a bike: fit, comfort, aerodynamics and fuel storage to name a few.
“I am thrilled to be riding a Kestrel for the next few years because I feel it will give me a chance to be the best triathlete I can be.”
Potts’ 2014 race schedule will build off how he structured 2013 to include more long-course racing and half Ironman events, so as to keep his eye on the prize: Kona.
After finishing 4th at the 2013 Ironman 70.3 World Champs, Potts appeared more poised than ever to run onto the podium at the Ironman World Champs, in October 2013, after 2-consecutive top-American finishes. But a stress fracture kept him from reaching the Kona start line.
Potts is back in the pool, back on the bike, and more determined than ever.
“Since turning pro a decade ago, Andy established himself immediately as one of the most versatile and dominant triathletes in the world,” said Kestrel Sponsorship Manager Milay Galvez. “His victories speak for themselves – and at every distance. There’s seemingly nothing he can’t master, which is why the future is so exciting…
“But even more than his accomplishments, Andy is not only a terrific ambassador for our brand but for the sport on a whole,” Galvez added. “To see him offering advice to fans at expos, hi-fiving age groupers at the finish line, and of course providing integral feedback to us to improve our products, we simply couldn’t be more thrilled to continue our relationship and support of a man so great for this sport.”
Kestrel made history in 1987 when it introduced the first-ever monocoque carbon fibre bicycle frame. The brand now produces four series of premium carbon fibre models. With nearly three decades of carbon know-how, Kestrel continues to push the limits of traditional bicycle design and focus on technology as a driver for innovative, aerodynamic triathlon and road bikes.
www.kestrelbicycles.com
www.advancedsports.com
