Downhill ace Manon is riding high with Mercedes-Benz Vito Sport
14th February 2014
On the up: Mountain biker Manon Carpenter with her Mercedes-Benz Vito Sport
Mountain bike star Manon Carpenter is gearing up for a big year after signing a sponsorship agreement with Mercedes-Benz Truck and Van Dealer Euro Commercials (South Wales).
The 20-year-old, who was crowned Junior Downhill World Champion in 2011, took delivery this week of her new personal transport, a dynamic Vito Sport Van.
“I’m thrilled to be running a Mercedes-Benz Vito Sport – it’s a seriously cool van,” declares Manon, who is aiming to improve this year on her third-place finish in last season’s Elite UCI Downhill World Cup.
A member of the Madison Saracen team, Manon grew up in Caerphilly but moved recently to Cardiff. She visited Euro Commercials’ headquarters on Ipswich Road to collect her new van from Dealer Principal Chris Anthony.
Practical and fun in equal measure, the Mercedes-Benz Vito Sport rides on 17-inch, six-spoke alloy wheels and features distinctive chrome sidebars. Manon’s Compact-bodied 116 CDI model is powered by a 163 hp engine that combines punchy performance with impressive economy and low emissions.
“The Vito Sport is very well equipped and a real pleasure to drive compared to my old van,” adds Manon. “I can’t wait to throw a few bikes in the back (she has seven in all), get behind the wheel and head for the hills.”
Manon’s father ran a race series in South Wales and she’s been riding bikes as long as she can remember. Despite the risks – crashes come with the territory – Manon admits to being addicted to the adrenalin rush she gets from saddling up then hurling herself at breakneck speeds down steep mountainsides, struggling all the while for grip on the hazardous off road terrain. “It can take up to five minutes to get down and it’s physically very demanding, but I love it!” she says.
This season’s World Cup gets underway in April, with rounds in South Africa and Australia – she will also be competing in Canada and the United States, as well as the UK and Europe.
As part of the sponsorship deal Manon will be using social media to post regular updates about life with her Vito Sport. She will also be hosting MTB experience events for Euro Commercials customers, and making other ‘meet and greet’ appearances.
Chris Anthony adds: “Manon is a local girl who’s doing exceptionally well in her sport. She’s also a very impressive, articulate young woman, and as such exactly the kind of person with whom we want to align our business and our brand. We’ll all be cheering her on in this season’s World Cup.”
Sponsorship deal: Manon Carpenter was presented with her Mercedes-Benz Vito Sport by Euro Commercials Dealer Principal Chris Anthony
For more information please contact:
Steve Warren or John Ripley
Impact Press & PR, 01789 491700