October 9th, 2008 by 
adam
Hutchinson Tires Cover More Ground at Interbike ‘08
“Interbike ‘08 was successful for Hutchinson on all levels,” comments Eric VanHaverbeke, GM of Hutchinson USA. “The Industry is opening their arms to Road Tubeless, as witnessed by the commitment to this technology with Specialized, Campagnolo, Fulcrum, Kore coming on board. Dealers were impressed with our victorious Tubeless Ready MTB efforts at the Olympics with Gold Medalist Julien Absalon, and reaction to our City/Trekking tires left us knowing that we’ve taken a solid step up in the US market for 2009.”
Dealers, distributors, OE’s and media made their way to the Hutchinson booth that sat smack-dab in the middle of the show. “Feedback received at the booth confirmed that we are moving in the right direction in the categories we’ve been concentrating on,” said Dana Carson, Distribution Sales Manager at Hutchinson. “With the backing of the best distributor network in North America we look forward to being the brand of choice for IBD’s and consumers in 2009″The only 2-time Olympic MTB Champion and multi-time World Champion Julien Absalon treated attendees with an autograph session that went on for hours at the front of the booth. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Julien well into the future.
Hundreds of dealers were able to see the complete line of Hutchinson tires, and to test ride ‘09 Road, ‘Cross and Mountain offerings at the OutDoor Demo thanks to our wheel and bike partners.”Most of our customers had Road Tubeless and Cyclocross Tubeless Ready bikes at the ODD,” states Jason Rico - OE Sales Manager for Hutchinson. “With the expansion of wheel and tire offerings, I’m already getting a lot of buzz from our customers for increased spec in 2010! On the dirt side, our customers view Tubeless Ready tires as a value-added package that they can ship with a tube, and then have the dealer or consumer convert to tubeless. A lot of dealers were out shredding on our tires.”
Featuring Hutchinson’s involvement for the first time, the annual Tour de Lake Mead grew from 200 to over 300 riders this year. With SAG support from the Campagnolo Race Support crew, and additional wheel support from Shimano, all riders were provided with a care-free 24-mile ride from the OutDoor Demo to the shores of Lake Mead and back.Hutchinson and the Interbike crew provided a rest-stop at the half way point for the non-racing attendees to grab a bite to eat and an energy drink before their climb back to the Outdoor Demo. Many of the riders experienced the unequaled ride of Road Tubeless which is taking over the skinny-tired market. Make sure you get a test ride soon if you haven’t already.
For the emerging Urban Cycling crowd, Hutchinson sponsored Murphy Mack’s World Famous Gold Sprints held at the Beauty Bar in old-town Vegas after the Criterium championships.While most indoor cycling is less than exciting, Gold Sprints pit racers from all over the country sprinting 4-up for and unbelievably fast and exciting 50 meters. Ties are split by downing adult beverages before getting your sprint on, and the result is an incredibly entertaining display of sprinting prowess.
Racers were treated to cash prizes and merchandise, including Hutchinson’s ultimate urban tire - the Intensive.
Hutchinson received favorable media in the pre-show Bicycle Retailer issue, in the Show Dailies, on Interbike TV, and on many media outlets throughout the show and beyond.Look for coverage of the complete line of Hutchinson tires for 2009 in your favorite cycling publications and websites.
