It has been an exciting first year for Max Lelli USA. Since our debut at Interbike 2007, we’ve established a small, elite dealer presence in the U.S. (from New York to Boston, Chicago, Wisconsin, Hawai’i, and Arizona). We have enjoyed positive press and great consumer interest, and we’ve solidified and grown our industry partnerships. However, no aspect of our first year has been more satisfying than the great results achieved by the talented and dedicated athletes who have teamed up with us in our nascent sponsorship program.
Max Lelli USA was thrilled to add Jason Lester to the roster of Team Liger in late September, just before the Kona Ironman World Championships. Jason, who competes with a partial paralyzed right arm from a biking accident, was looking for a bike sponsor to help him reach his biggest goal yet: the Ultraman. This three-day event, 320-mile test of almost super human endurance is over twice as long as the Ironman distance. This is why, when Jason participated in IM Kona in October, he was not really racing: instead he was putting in a huge training day for Ultraman in 5 weeks’ time. In fact, he was back training just 2 days after IM Hawai’i, when most Kona finishers were enjoying well-deserved rest s.
On November 30, after 3 grueling days, Jason made history by becoming the first challenged athlete to complete the Ultraman. Merely finishing the race (comprised of 6.2 miles of swimming, 261 miles of biking, and 52.4 miles of running over 3 stages) would have been achievement enough. However, the fact that Jason did it despite being stung so seriously by jellyfish during the swim that the rescue boat nearly placed a 911 call…despite persevering the distance with only one functioning arm…is truly inspirational. Jason’s personal motto, "Never Give Up," is a testament to the athletic spirit that he embodies.
Here’s what Jason had to say to us in his end of year report: “A special thank you goes out to Max Lelli Bikes. Thank you for believing in me...I have ridden/raced all the big name bikes and your passion, knowledge and dedication to the sport is priceless. Your athlete relations is top notch! Thank you for all your support, well wishes and producing an amazing product. I'm honored to be apart of an elite team and look forward to our 2009 year! Max Lelli is here to stay and the USA will soon be hearing about us!”
We salute and thank Jason, and all our sponsored triathletes, for providing the inspiration behind Max Lelli Bicycles. We look forward to working with them in 2009 and beyond!
To all our retail and industry partners, thanks for all you have done to help make our first year so successful. We anticipate continuing and growing our relationship with you in the New Year and beyond. We wish you all a very happy and healthy holiday season. May 2009 bring exciting challenges, fulfillment of long-held goals, and success both professional and personal to all.
