NEWS FOR FEBRUARY

KONA SIGN NORTH AMERICAN STARS

U-23 Stars Barry Wicks, Kris Snedden join Kona Clarks Factory Team

KonaWorld (Feb. 20, 2003) – The Kona Clarks Factory Team today announced that they have signed emerging U-23 American cyclo-cross and mountain bike racing star, Barry Wicks and up-and-coming Canadian mountain bike racer Kris Snedden to the Kona Clarks team roster for the 2003-2004 racing season.

Already a veteran of Kona’s cyclo-cross teams, Wicks will join the Kona Clarks Factory Team on a full-time basis and will be competing in mountain bike and cyclo-cross races for the team.

Last year, Wicks was the 2nd American at the World Championships in Kaprun, Austria; was the 1st U-23 N. American at cyclo-cross World Championships in Monopoli, Italy; took the silver medal in U-23 US Cyclo-cross Nationals and placed 10th the next day in the Elite Men’s race.

Kona Clarks Team Manager, Russ Carty said Wicks is ready to make a move on the mountain bike side this year. “Barry raced with the Pro-Elite men in mountain bike races last year with some good results. He has tons of potential, is highly motivated and has applied for funding and housing from the US Olympic Training Center for this year.”

Kris Snedden is 21-years-old and is from Sechelt, B.C. In 2000 Kris was the Junior Expert Canadian National Champ. Kris currently is living in Victoria and is training with Kona/Clarks teammate Geoff Kabush. Kris’s results improve every year, said Russ Carty. “He is definitely one of the Canadian up and comers and will be one to watch in the upcoming season.”

Barry Wicks 2002 MTB results:
· Overall 2002 USA MTB Ranking -12th
· 29th - Big Bear
· 23rd - Alpine Meadows
· 24th - Snowshoe
· 37th - Durango
· 32nd - Mt. Snow
· 30th - Kaprun, Austria World Championships U-23-30th

2002/03 cyclo-cross results:
· 2nd - U-23 USA National Championships
· 10th - Pro-Elite Men USA National Championships
· 30th - U-23 World Championships

Kris Snedden 2001 Race Results
- 5th - Genoa Cup XC - U23
- 4th - Canadian National Championships - U23
- 35th - World MTB Championships Vail Co. - U23

2002 Race Results
- 47th - Sea Otter Classic MTB stage race
- 2nd - Canada Cup #1
- 4th - Canada Cup #2 - 4th
- 4th - Canada Cup #4
- 2nd - MTB Canadian National Championships U23