TEAM NIKE RIDES GIANT TO VICTORY

(October 11, 2007) With their regular female teammates taking a break from racing due to a new baby and business, Mike Kloser and Michael Tobin recruited Jenny Johnson for their most recent challenge in Mexico. Known for massive crowds and festivities rarely seen at multi-sport events, "Hidalgo" has a reputation as the "Tour de France" of adventure racing. The Hidalgo community completely supports the event, which creates an atmosphere that few races are able to offer.

This year's 3 day, 260 kilometer event featured a variety of disciplines and as always, had some stiff competition from the likes of Buff-Spain, Sole-USA, Team Finland, and Nike/Beaver Creek-USA. Having raced in Hidalgo several times in the past, Kloser and Tobin knew it was important to establish a lead in the early stages of the race, then either expand or protect that advantage. After more than 10 hours of racing the first day they managed an 18 minute lead on 2nd place (Buff) and 30 minutes on 3rd (Sole). By avoiding any big mistakes during a few tricky navigational options on days 2 and 3 they were able to maintain their advantage to take the win.

Kloser commented that some of the highlights of this year's race were the Tyrolean Traverses over massive canyons and huge crowds of locals and school kids that greeted the teams as they passed through the towns. Some of the challenges were the cold, wet and muddy canyon swims, endless cobble stone roads, cactus and thorn covered hills and trails.

About Jenny Johnson, Kloser said “She was awesome to race with, she always seemed to be smiling and upbeat, even after nearly 18 hours of racing on day two and countless hours in the saddle on our mountain bikes that lasted well into the wee hours of the morning." Team Nike’s mountain bikes are Giant Anthem bicycles, featuring Maestro suspension technology.

For more information about Team Nike, go to:

www.eliteadventureteam.com


For more information about the Anthem series of bicycles, click here.