A talented young rider has won a year’s sponsorship deal with MTB tyre legend, Maxxis. Jono Jones, 23, secured one of the fastest laps on the event’s pump track during the Saturday afternoon, before going up against 7 other contestants in the evening’s grand finale.
The Maxxis Pump Track Championship saw eight riders, fresh from completing all six Alpine style stages of the 45k Enduro race around some of the Yorkshire Dale’s most testing terrain, go head to head in groups of twos; starting at opposite ends of the track. Pedalling was strictly forbidden with contestants allowed a single push off on the Pump Track, before relying on leg strength alone to propel themselves around the 20m diameter track. The first rider to catch the other won the round. After making it through to the semi-final round, Jono took on the last finalist and took just 4 laps to catch him and claim his victory.
Pinned as the evening’s entertainment highlight, the championships attracted thousands of spectators who surrounded the track and cheered on the riders taking part, before heading back to the main stage to catch some live band action.
Jono, who has just graduated with a first-class degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nottingham, only entered on a whim and couldn’t believe his luck as he was handed a year’s sponsorship deal with one of MTB’s most iconic brands. Catching up with Jono straight off the track, he said: “Wow that was intense! I can’t believe I won. I only entered it as a bit of a laugh! My legs are killing me after that!
“It’s awesome to have won the support of Maxxis. I’ve always ridden Maxxis but now I’ll be able to run sick tyres that are just right for what I’m doing.
“I’m heading to Whistler soon and will be taking on more Enduro events this year and next so I’m stoked to become a part of Maxxis’ sponsorship squad for 2018.”
Now in its 5th year, the 2017 ‘Ard Rock Enduro Festival was bigger and better than ever, with over 5,000 of MTB pros and enthusiasts traveling from all over the world to ride hard on the hills, play hard in the event village and soak up the unique party atmosphere.
Commenting on welcoming Jono to the sponsorship squad for 2018, Maxxis brand manager for cycle tyres, Stephen Robinson, said: “We’re always on the lookout for fresh, young talent and ‘Ard Rock is the perfect place to find it. We’ve sponsored ‘Ard Rock for a few years now and have been massively impressed with how it has morphed into one of UK MTB’s ‘must attend’ events, and in such a short space of time too.
“Jono gave an impressive performance on the pump track, especially considering he was placed 7th earlier in the day in the ‘Ard Rock Enduro and must’ve been feeling the burn after pedalling hard for several hours and then taking on 3 rounds on the Pump Track! It was intense but the best man won and I’m excited to see what else Jono will be able to deliver now he has the support of Maxxis behind him. Welcome to the squad, Jono Jones!”
