- Outstanding ‘07 Performance’s Land Lacondeguy, Basagoitia and Fielder In Five-Series Event -

KONAWORLD (March 5, 2008) – Coming off an impressive 2007 season, Kona CLUMP riders Andreu Lacondeguy, Paul “Bas” Basagoitia and Grant “Chopper” Fielder automatically qualified for the 2008 Nissan Qashqai Challenge (NQC). The five-event series will take place from April through May at five different European venues with the Grand Final slated for London, UK.

In its second year, the series features urban mountain bike freeriding boasting a $250,000 prize purse for the riders who prove they are the most “urban-proof.” Based on last year’s results, the three talented CLUMP riders were among 15 competitors that automatically qualified for this year’s contest. “Bas” led the way for the CLUMP boyz finishing second overall (behind winner Darren Berecloth), while Lacondeguy took fourth overall and Fielder nabbed 14th.

The Nissan Qashqai Challenge 2008 will consist of five contests in Italy, Spain, Germany, France and the UK. With the help and feedback of the NQC riders committee, Nissan have made several changes to the 2008 format including the addition of Open events. By splitting the series into two Opens and three Challenge events, Nissan has opened-up the contest to a wider range of riders while also allowing the top-15 riders from the 2007 series the opportunity to focus on peaking for the final three Challenges and Grand Final.

During the first two stops in Milan, Italy and Madrid, Spain, 10 riders will be given the opportunity to qualify for the final three Challenge events in Munich, Germany, Paris, France and London, UK. In addition to those 10 riders, the top-15 of last year’s NQC overall ranking will join them in the final three Challenge events. In total, there will be 25 of the world’s best mountain bikers showing off their savvy skills as they eye the title of freeride champion of the year.

Course builders from around the world will work together to provide an individual touch to each of the events. Keep an eye out for new buffed-out tracks sculpted of dirt and wood. The courses are sure to set a new standard in the sport.

Nissan is a sponsor of Kona Europe’s Bike Parks and Grassroots race program. For more information check www.konaworld.com, www.konabikeparks.com, www.konaeurope.com and www.nissan-qashqaichallenge.com.

About the Kona Bicycle Company:

The Kona Bicycle Company designs, manufacturers and distributes more than 60 models of purpose-built, high-performance mountain, road and urban bicycles. Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Ferndale, Washington, Kona bicycles are distributed worldwide in more than 60 countries through independent specialty bicycle dealers. Kona funds several professional road, mountain and cyclo-cross racing teams that include World Cup Champions, World Champions and National Champions. www.konaworld.com.

source: Keith Cozzens | Base Camp Communications