Kona is building its cyclocross presence for this season, with new bikes and new riders. We took a look at the 2017 Kona cyclocross and gravel bikes a few weeks ago, and brought you a great interview with long-time sponsored racer Helen Wyman, but the biggest Kona news this season might be the signing of three-time Collegiate D1 Cyclocross National Champion Kerry Werner.
Werner finished fifth at the 2016 Nationals, and has previously bagged three Collegiate D1 titles at Nationals. next up: The Elite World Championships. photo: Boulder D1 Collegiate Nationals. © Steve Anderson
Werner bunnyhops over from Raleigh Clement for the 2016/2017 season, and has already won on fat tires flying the Kona colors. He will be joining Barry Wicks and Wyman, and has his sights set on the World Championships in Luxembourg. See the official release from Kona Bikes below.
It’s time to dust off the cowbells and stretch the heckle muscles. It’s time for the air to smell of fresh glue on tires, to feel fresh bar wrap in your hands and to stare at a perfectly clean bike with the knowledge that it won’t stay that way for much longer. It’s time for cyclocross, and as one of the most storied names in this addictively sadistic sport, we can’t wait to for the first taste of grit between our teeth.
For the 2016 season we’re lining up with some very familiar faces along with a fresh set of legs to the start line. Cyclocross veteran Helen Wyman is returning for an eighth season piloting a Kona along with Barry Wicks who will be riding some select U.S. races. We’re excited to announce that Kerry Werner will be sliding into a Kona skinsuit for the first time this fall to tackle the full U.S. Pro schedule with eyes on the podium.
It’s time for cross.
New Kona rider Kerry Werner brings high level dedication and experience to the Kona Cyclocross Team. Kerry had a banner season last year, finishing in the top 5 at multiple UCI C1 and C2 events throughout North America culminating with a fifth place finish at the U.S. National Championships in January. This season Kerry has already won the Transylvania Epic race and recently snagged a top 10 in a stacked UCI ProXCT piloting a Carbon Hei Hei Race DL in preparation for the upcoming cyclocross season.
Kerry Werner will by flying the colors for Kona this cyclocross season.
Kerry will be focusing on the east coast UCI CX schedule, including the Holy Week of Cyclocross in New England and the Pan Am Championships/ Derby City Cup race weekends. With an immense amount of cyclocross races in the ProCX series scheduled, Kerry looks to improve upon his 2016 National Championship finish along with his ProCX overall placing, and aims to represent the U.S. at the UCI Cyclocross World Championships in Luxembourg.
We are stoked to have Kerry on board piloting his Kona Major Jake to podiums and muddy grins across the country.
