Andy Schultz » Andy Schultz on 2009

Andy Schultz on 2009 635 views

[Edit April 7. 12:00pm. In response to the question about the new US Cup series, Andy said to really give a good answer he'd have to wait and see how things went. With two Kenda Cup West and one US Pro XCT out of the way, we asked him again this morning. Here are his thought as of today.] ..."At first I was a little suspect of the new series. The Pro XCT seemed like the same venues, for the most part, and fewer races since there wasn't any short track. However, after doing three Kenda Cup events I know that we've taken a step in the right direction. The thing I'm most excited about is the effort that Scott Tedro and Ty Kady have put into promoting and marketing the series. It's exciting to see mountain biking back on TV, riders and motos out on the course with helmet cams, well-crafted timely press releases, well-designed website, and a spot on the series website with rider profiles. When you boil things down, pro mountain bikers are really just moving billboards and salesman. If the series they participate in isn't well marketed then the pro's don't have an audience and are essential obsolete. Attend one Kenda Cup event and you'll see the crowd and you'll feel that little bit of electricity, that enthusiasm, in the air. That's how you know that we've taken a step in the right direction."