Wide Open has been sponsoring Conor Macfarlane since he was a fresh-faced 17-year-old. The first time we saw him was at the 2008 Farm Jam, winning the MTB dirt jump comp in such comprehensive fashion, he was hard to miss. The relationship was formed from there and we are very excited to announce that for the 2015 season we have been able to partner Conor with a number of our key brands in conjunction with Knolly frames.
“I’m stoked to have a big roster of sponsors helping me out this year; I have ridden all the components before through Wide Open so it’s great to carry on the relationship and also to have some global support this year. I’m looking forward to a busy year travelling around, racing enduro events, doing some slopestyle events and generally having a good time on and off the bike” says Conor.
“At Knolly we’re very amped to have Conor riding for us in 2015. He is the full package skilled at many riding disciplines and has shown a professional, hard-working attitude towards developing his riding career. We can’t wait to see Conor develop in 2015 with our brand and as an athlete. We plan to do what we can to support him best we can. Welcome to the Team Conor!” Ryan Berrecloth – Knolly Bikes.
Marzocchi will be providing all suspension products. With Conor’s focus on EWS events this season the new 350 NCR Ti fork will be the perfect product for the job. “I am very stoked to have Conor representing us again in 2015. He is a fantastic rider and is pushing the envelope of style and speed while remaining one of the friendliest riders out there. I am very happy to support him as he represents every aspect of our sport!” David Meredith, Marzocchi USA.
POC Sports look after helmets, clothing, eyewear and protection including the new VPD Air knee and elbow pads. “Conor is an exciting young talent that evokes the essence of mountain biking, riding for the sheer fun of it. Finding someone who quietly communicates his love for riding is exactly the type of rider we love to support. POC looks forward to a long relationship with Conor.” Peter Appleton, Wheels Director, POC Sports.
Wanaka-based merino brand, Mons Royale have renewed their commitment to Conor and will continue to ensure he’s looking sharp and enjoys the climate control and anti stink factor of their new bike specific and existing base layer and lifestyle merino garments.
Mons Royale CEO Hamish Acland said “Conor’s great to work with as he’s such a versatile rider. His versatility matches our merino so he’s a great fit for Mons Royale both on and off the bike. We’re all about helping take New Zealand action sports athletes global so we’re stoked to continue to support Conor’s success”.
Chris King are providing headsets, bottom brackets and hubs for the Knolly frames. The quality Chris King hubs will be built into the new ENVE M Series rims and will provide the ultimate wheelset package for Conor’s DJ, Slopestyle, Enduro and DH needs. “Pairing the best personalities and talent with ENVE technologies results in increased brand equity and unsurpassed innovation; this is what ENVE sponsorship is all about. Conor checks off all the boxes from a personality and talent standpoint and ENVE product will without a doubt benefit from the feedback that Conor provides ENVE as he rides our M Series wheels into the ground over the coming season.” Jake Pantone – ENVE Director of Marketing
Gravity Components have been a long term sponsor for Conor and will be providing cockpit, cranks, pedals and drivetrain. SDG saddles and ODI grips round out the contact points for Conor’s 2015 programme.
One of Wide Open Distributors main goals has been to be more than just a distributor representing some of the best cycle brands in New Zealand, but also to sponsor talented young New Zealand riders and help them achieve their goals. “We have been supporting Conor for a number of years and it’s great to see him get some global support from a number of our key brands. Conor is the complete MTB package and with him adding Enduro to his focus this year it will be great to watch him progress as a rider and a person. Watch this space!” Matt Whitaker, Wide Open New Zealand.
Full Sponsor List:
Knolly, POC, Marzocchi, Gravity Components, ENVE, Chris King, Mon’s Royal, SDG, ODI, Wide Open
Photos by Stefan Haworth www.tappednz.com
