Is the Katie Compton sponsorship saga finally over? The five-time National Champion and two-time Worlds medalist has finally found a home on the Planet Bike cyclocross team, alongside fellow 2007 Worlds silver medalist, Jonathan Page.
Bob Downs, Planet Bike’s founder, is passionate about cyclocross, and despite his company not really selling any cyclocross-specific products, the company has thrown a lot of support at the sport. Compton told Cyclocross Magazine Downs expressed interest in signing her last year, but at the time she thought her long-time sponsorship with Spike Shooter was secure. But when that fell through this summer, Downs stepped in and added her to his team.
In the States, Compton will share the resources of the the team, while in Europe both Page and Compton will have their own system and program. The two racers will have different bike and component sponsors, but will share the same title sponsor and racing goals. Page will be riding his new Blue Norcross frame, while Compton, after months of talks, has finalized a deal to ride the same Stevens bike as World Champs Phillip Walsleben and Niels Albert (reviewed in and on the cover of Issue 6 of our print mag).
Press release below.
Madison, Wisc. – Planet Bike, a leading manufacturer of innovative, high quality, and practical bicycle accessories, is excited to announce that Katie Compton is the newest addition to Planet Bike’s 2009/10 cyclocross team.
Compton is a five time U.S. National Cyclocross Champion, and last season captured the Bronze medal at the Hoogerheide World Cyclocross Championship with an aggressive ride to secure her second Cyclocross World Championship medal. “I’m really excited to be representing Plant Bike this season,” said Compton. “Planet Bike is a great company and I am looking forward to teaming up with elite riders like Jonathan Page.”
“It is an absolute dream come true for us to have two of the best cyclocrossers in U.S. history in Compton and Page riding for our small company. Besides being outstanding riders, both Katie and JP are quality people who are very representative of the Planet Bike philosophy of hard work and doing things the right way,” stated Planet Bike’s founder Bob Downs.
Compton will race primarily in Europe competing in all of the rounds of the World Cup. On January 31, 2010, will be chasing after the rainbow stripes at the World Championships in the Czech Republic. “I really feel it’s within my reach. After two close calls I’m hoping for rain or snow and going all out for the win,” says Compton who excels when the heavens open up turning courses into epic cyclocross contests.
Compton starts the season in her new team colors and new equipment sponsors at the upcoming Cross Vegas where Compton will look to defend her title. “It’s going to be an epic race in Vegas. I’m very motivated to start the season off with a good result representing Planet Bike.” Compton will then fly to Madison to ride in the Planet Bike sponsored USGP event on September 26-27.
Planet Bike builds high quality bicycle accessories that make it easier for people to ride their bikes. Since its inception in 1996, Planet Bike has believed in the potential of the bicycle to improve the world and the lives of the people in it. Therefore, each year it has donated at least 25% of profits to causes that promote and facilitate the use of the bicycle. By the end of 2009, Planet Bike will have donated $1 million to the grassroots advocacy movement.
