Specialized NZ and Joe Nation have today announced a sponsorship for the 2018 season for bikes, tyres, helmets, shoes, wheels and suspension.
Nation, one of a select bunch of kiwis competing at the pointy end of the Enduro World Series, has steadily improved over recent seasons. In 2017 he finished up as the second ranked kiwi in 22nd place overall in the EWS, just one spot behind top Kiwi Justin Leov, with 7x top 10s in stages, and a career best 9th overall in the Whistler round.
Unfortunately, after a great 2017, Joe was left in the lurch a little when his team from the past 3 seasons folded late last year. With no clear destination for 2018, but a determination to continue his progression, Joe approached Specialized through his local CHCH retailer Chain Reaction Cycles in December.
“I demo’d a couple of Specialized Enduros towards the end of 2017 through Chain Reaction, and pretty quickly felt really comfortable on the bikes.” Says Joe. “I am really excited about this upcoming season, it’s going to be different without a trade team around me, but It’s great to have a company like Specialized get behind my campaign, and to know I’ll have some of the very best bikes out there to race on.”
Specialized NZ’s James Elvery describes the partnership; “We have taken Joe on in a similar way to how we supported Keegan Wright last year, with a view to supporting him onto a pro trade team for the following season. Of course our preference would be to see Joe sign for the Specialized S-Racing team, but as with Keegan we’d still be excited for Joe regardless of the where he ends up. This sponsorship will ensure that bikes-wise Joe is well looked after and has access to the top-level gear he needs to be successful. Off the bike, Joe seems like a really good guy, and we are looking forward to following his progress this year and supporting him as best we can.“
Joe will roll the 2018 season on 2x Specialized Enduro 29’er bikes. An Enduro 29 Pro model (pictured) for training and back-up spares, as well as a top-flight S-Works Enduro 29 for competition. He will ride Specialized tyres, helmets & shoes as well as Roval wheels and Ohlins suspension.
Joes’ season kicks off this weekend at the Dodzy Memorial Enduro, followed by the next 2W Enduro, NZ Enduro and 3 Peaks Enduro before heading overseas for the first EWS round in Chile.
We wish Joe all the best for a massive 2018!
Photo Credit: Bobby Ketchum
Links to Joe’s Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/joenation1/?hl=en
