Andy Potts Signs With Kestrel

The first of the sponsor changes for 2011 was announced today. American Andy Potts has signed a deal with Kestrel Bicycles. The change will be a quick one for Potts, as he plans on racing on his new Kestrel 4000 this weekend at Ironman Cozumel. Potts was previously working with Kuota.

Click here to learn more about the Kestrel 4000.

See the press release from Kestrel below:

Kestrel Bicycles is pleased to announce its sponsorship of professional triathlete, Andy Potts, an Ironman 70.3 Champion and 2004 Olympian. Having won everything from sprints to Ironman distance tris, Potts brings a world of experience to Kestrel.

Potts began his competitive career as a swimmer at the University of Michigan where he was a 6-time NCAA All-American. In his first season as a pro, Potts was awarded USAT Rookie of the Year – he still holds the record as the only athlete to break into the Top 100 World rankings as a rookie.

In 2004, Potts earned a coveted spot on the U.S. Olympic team; in 2005, he won his first World Cup; and in 2006, he was ranked 6th in the ITU World Cup rankings. In 2007, he became the 70.3 Ironman Champion.

Potts, 34, is best known as a first-out-of-the-water competitor. He is a powerhouse on the bike in part due to his 6’2″ stature. A strong, consistent athlete, Potts aims to again make the Olympic team as well as win the Hawaii Ironman.

Currently residing and training in Colorado Springs, Potts is married to Lisa Simes, a Cirque du Soleil performer, and has a son, Boston, and daughter, Sloane.

“I’m extremely excited to start riding my new Kestrel,” Potts explained. “Kestrel’s expertise and passion for bikes, aerodynamics and speed are invaluable to me as an athlete. I am more motivated than ever.”

“I’m really excited to have Andy race for Kestrel,” said Steven Harad, Kestrel Brand Manager. “Andy has an incredible drive to succeed that mirrors Kestrel’s goal to produce the best bike in the world.”

“I fully expect to see Andy and his Kestrel 4000 on many podiums this year and look forward to working with him for years to come. And after that, I’m signing his son,” Harad joked.

Potts’ first race on his Kestrel 4000 will be the 2010 Ironman Cozumel on November 28th where he will join other Kestrel athletes Dede Greisbauer and Michael Lovato, who are also racing.