International mountain bike racing legend, Greg Minnaar, has joined South African-based bicycle industry wholesaler, Rush Sports, as a director.
Minnaar, who begins his 18th professional downhill racing season in 2017, will play an advisory role in the company initially, using his international contacts and experience to help grow the company’s product range and reach.
“We are very pleased to have Greg join Rush Sports as a director. While he’s seen largely as a racing legend, he’s accumulated a wealth of product and industry knowledge in his almost two decades of international competition and travel,” said Andre van Aarde, Rush Sports Managing Director.
Photo: Gary Perkin/flipper
“We have ambitious growth plans for Rush Sports and Greg’s presence and input as a director will be highly valuable to the business. Greg is more than just a talented, committed bike racer, he is constantly in tune with the technology and trends of mountain biking and we believe he will offer a lot in terms of guidance and advice,” added Van Aarde.
“I’m excited to join Rush Sports. It’s a company that’s been around for some time but has adapted better than most to the changing business patterns in the bicycle industry, both internationally and in Southern Africa,” said Minnaar.
“I intend to be racing for a good few years still and am super motivated for the 2017 season with Santa Cruz Syndicate. But I have reached a point where I feel I need additional goals and the directorship with Rush Sports allows me to focus on new objectives within the industry that I’m so passionate about,” he added.
Photo: Gary Perkin/flipper
One of the brands that Rush Sports distributes in South Africa, is Maxxis, which has been a sponsor of Minnaar’s since 2003.
“We have a very strong relationship with Greg as an athlete. As one of the greatest mountain bike racers of all time, he offers the Maxxis brand the highest level of endorsement. With Greg joining Rush Sports we will be able to expand our relationship from the racing side and into the business side, which is exciting for us as South Africa is a key market for the Maxxis brand,” said Ryan Huang, Maxxis International Sales.
“We have been mindful of the changes to the business landscape in the cycling market, particularly over the past 18 months and have always looked for ways to make Rush Sports as current and relevant as possible. With Greg on board as a decision maker, we intend to ensure we continue along that path, but with more international focus, particularly in other developing markets,” added Van Aarde.
For more about Rush Sports, visit www.rushsports.co.za. For more about Greg Minnaar, visit www.gregminnaar.com
Source: Inside Line
