BON JOVI TO SPONSOR A MTB PRODEC18
BON JOVI TO SPONSOR A MTB PRODEC18
It has been announced that Bon Jovi, the music superstar, will continue to sponsor Team West Virginia/Bon Jovi. The 2004 Mountain State team will compete at the NCS, state and regional races. Steve Thaxton, Team Director, says it is possible that we will add a non-West Virginia professional who will compete for national podiums.
Thaxton was Bon Jovis’ personal trainer for 10 years. He was a regular on-the-road companion to the band and helped keep the star in top form. Jon has been supporting Steve Thaxton’s MTB team for three years. It was not made public until 2003. Steve states that Jon supports Team West Virginia/Bon Jovi first and foremost because of his passion for mountain biking. Each year, Bon Jovis has been more generous. Not only have we been able race in our state circuit but also have sent selected team members to all NCS races.
The 12-member grassroots team won 110 matches in 2003. Team West Virginia/Bon Jovi sent three members to the Worlds. Junior Bryan Fawley, Nick Waite and Nick Waite were both sent to Lugano (Switzerland). Steve Thaxton competed in the World Masters Championships in Bromont (Canada). Nick placed a solid 24th, Bryan was 42nd, and Steve was a solid 20th in the 35-39 group.
Team West Virginia/Bon Jovi members are involved in activism and required to participate in trail maintenance programs. This will hopefully set an example for other teams.
Team West Virginia/Bon Jovi sponsors so far were: Cannondale and Ritchey; Kenda Tires; Worldwide Chiropractic and Sports Medicine; International Talent Booking of London; Maple Creative (Charleston WV); Charleston Bicycle Center. The team is still looking for sponsors, and will soon reveal the complete 2004 sponsorship and rider list.
