Americans times two at Topeak-Ergon

Thu February 08 2007
Posted Feb 8, 2007
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Through signing two new Team Riders, Topeak-Ergon has set its sights on the American mountain bike market. Jeff Kerkove (Waterloo, IA) and Sloane Anderson (Bend, OR) are the team's extreme riders.

Both have shown that they have what it takes in the individual category in 12- and 24-hour races in the USA. Kerkove's list of successes includes several podiums and top ten positions, plus four wins in both disciplines, Anderson (35) too is one of the most highly regarded endurance racers with two victories and three podiums in America.

The coming season will see the US boys premiere on the European stage. Of course Kerkove (29) and Anderson will be riding for their new team at 24-hour races. However they will also take on the hardest MTB competition of all – the Transalp Challenge. One or two other endurance races are also planned. "Racing in Europe is a new challenge for us. It is particularly motivating," said Anderson, who will train with Kerkove and the rest of the team on Majorca in mid February.

Including the two Americans, there are nine riders signed to the Topeak-Ergon team for 2008. Team Manager Oliver Kessler weighed up the situation, "The squad is now complete. Above all we have strengthened ourselves strategically, which is what we decided was needed at the end of last season".