Jenn O'Connor
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Elite XC and Endurance racer Jenn O'Connor and top Sports Physiologist Andrew Patterson of Patterson Training are pleased to announce the launch of Patterson Training's own race team for 2007.
The new team will be supported by a raft of new sponsors, including British cycle clothing brand Altura, showering specialists Rada, Scott UK and PowerBar. Both Jenn and Andy will be racing in the team livery, as well as elite handcyclist Ian Marsden, and a selection of Patterson Training clients, including sport and masters mountain bikers, road racers and time triallists.
Altura will be producing the team kit, as well as providing extensive financial support, as part of a three year deal to develop their new performance clothing line. Says Altura Brand Manager Ian Young; “Altura is ready for the next development stage, and getting ongoing feedback from performance cyclists like Jenn and Andy is an integral part of that process.”
Further financial backing comes from bathroom fixtures specialists Kohler Mira Ltd, with their Rada brand. Says Marketing Manager Jeremy Salisbury; “we are delighted to be involved with Patterson Training and the new race team. Jenn and Andy have a proven success record and that will add a real boost to the Rada brand.”
A new deal with Scott UK will see Jenn racing on a custom-specified full suspension Spark for both XC and Endurance events this year. Says Jenn of the Spark; “I wanted a full-suspension race bike that would see me through the harshest endurance events, without carrying a weight penalty. When we heard about the Spark we went straight to Scott, and we're really excited that they have agreed to sponsor the team.”
Sports nutrition brand PowerBar has provided Jenn with nutrition support for the past three years, and has increased investment for 2007. Says UK Marketing Manager Nick Wharton; “Jenn is a real professional and a great ambassador for the brand. We are really excited to be involved in this new team.”
Andrew Patterson holds a BSc Honours in Sports Coaching and Exercise Science, and is part of the British Cycling coach educator programme. He has been coaching and supporting cyclists from various disciplines for the past six years, including partner Jenn. Their victories include a hat trick of wins in the Saab Salomon Mountain Mayhem 24 hour solo, the G24 Solo Championship title, second place overall in the Transalp 2006, as well as consistent top three results in National Series XC.
Patterson Training has a history of success with a number of XC and endurance specialists, including 24 hour solo racers Kate Potter, Jean Claude van der Veken and newcomers George Budd and Nadine Spearing.
The team will also be supported with kit from Lupine Lighting Systems, Hope brakes, Panaracer tyres, Innovations pumps, White Lightening Lubricants, Crank Brothers pedals, Lizard Skins grips and Camelbak hydration systems. Jenn and Andrew plan to build the team over the next couple of years as a service for Patterson Training clients, and plan to introduce a scholarship programme for developing cyclists in 2008.
For more information please visit www.pattersontraining.com or email Andrew@pattersontraining.com.
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