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NEKO MULALLY goes WC, see Press Release

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Monkey
May 31, 2007
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Manchester, NH
American Junior Sensation Neko Mulally Signs With 23 Degrees

20.10.2009

23 Degrees Sports Management announced today that it has finalized an agreement to represent rising American mountain bike talent, Neko Mulally. The 16 year old gravity rider from Reading in Pennsylvania has had an impressive year despite the fact that he's not yet old enough to race World Cups; that will come next season.

Most notably, at Whistler this year during the Crankworx events, and racing Pro Men, Neko finish 4th in the Dual Slalom (behind world class talents Kyle Strait, Brian Lopes and Johannes Fischbach), and then in the Canadian Open Downhill finished 5th, just seconds behind World Cup stars Brendan Fairclough and Steve Smith.

Neko rode as the forerunner for the Canadian rounds of the UCI World Cup, and is now dead keen to hit the circuit next year in his first World Cup season. Currently a member of Specialized Team America, Neko is open to race for a new program in 2010.

"Next year is a really important year for me. I want to build on the experience I gained this year with my current team, and chase down my goals of being one of the top juniors on the Downhill circuit next year and hopefully gain a medal at my first World Championships. It was really cool to see the Mont-Sainte-Anne course this year, and it's one I'm really looking forward to racing in 2010," said Neko this morning from his home in Pennsylvania.

Founder and Owner of 23 Degrees Sports Management, Martin Whiteley, commented on Neko's signing.

"Neko's been well known in the US for a little while now and he's been getting some pretty impressive results for his age. His skill level is right up there and since one of our other clients, Kyle Strait, is on the same team, we got to spend some time with Neko in Whistler. He impresses me greatly. He is a grounded young man who clearly comes from a very supportive family. We haven't signed any new athletes to our management program for more than 2 years as we've been waiting for just the right rider to come along and Neko fits that bill. I'm very excited by what the future holds for this young talent".

Neko's profile page can be found here:
http://www.23degrees-sports.com/athlete.php?athlete_id=21

For further information:

Martin Whiteley
23 Degrees Sports Management
 
Sandwich

Sandwich

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May 23, 2002
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I give him two years before he's winning...one to get his feet wet in the WC circuit, the other to basically clean house...he's fast as...things that are fast.
 
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General Lee

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Oct 16, 2003
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Sandwich said:
I give him two years before he's winning...one to get his feet wet in the WC circuit, the other to basically clean house...he's fast as...things that are fast.
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He's super fast, but the top step of a WC podium is no short order. Assuming 2 yrs on the circuit as jrs, it took Gee 3 years (and 2 more to get his second win), Blenkinsop 4 years, Hill 6 years, Pascal 4 years, Barel 3 or 4 years, Hannah 6 or 7, Leheikoinen 6 (at least). Most of the current crop of podium finishers got their first win between their 2nd and 4th season as a senior after 2 years on the circuit as juniors. Pretty sure the last guy to win a WC while still a junior was Vouilloz in 1994??

So many super fast guys (and a laundry list of up-and-coming juniors) get lost in the top 20 forever, but I have a feeling this kid won't be one of them. He's got the skills, fittness, and the proper attitude to mix it up with the best. Much like Blenkinsop, Fairclough, Smith, and Brycelend have been able to do.

In all honesty, if he gets a full ride I wouldn't be in the least bit surprised to see him take the Jr. overall in his first season.
 
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jonKranked

jonKranked

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Nov 10, 2005
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Good point Lee. I suspect that at the top of the WC, the mental aspect of racing takes a much more prominent role than anywhere else. I think it will take him some time to get used to that.

One thing is for sure though, kid's gonna be a contender!
 
Sandwich

Sandwich

Pig my fish!
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May 23, 2002
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Sorry, I suppose I should have said JWCs...maybe? To be as fast as he is, at such a young age...as long as he doesn't burn out, he has a ton of potential.
 
Leppah

Leppah

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Mar 12, 2008
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That would be awesome. Being in high school and riding bikes for a living already. Doing what you love and being paid more than your friends. Lucky.
 
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General Lee

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Oct 16, 2003
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Tomac_racer said:
Do i hear Trek World Racing?
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Martin used to represent a lot more athletes from high-profile teams until he started running the Trek program, from what I gather their sponsors weren't too keen on the idea of essentially paying one of their biggest competitors. all the xc guys are gone, fairclough was out at the end of '08, and Minnaar in '09 after something like 11 years together.

Not a fan of e-rumors but I can't figure out how it could play out any differently. Imagine it would be a lot like when Brendan first signed with 23 Degrees and rode for Honda? in reality he was Martin's rider (since Martin ran the Honda program) and wasn't really a full fledged member of the g-cross team like greg and matti. seems like the perfect way for a big team to get behind him without a lot of risk, or strain on their budget.
 
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soul-skier

soul-skier

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May 18, 2009
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Very impressive young man. It was educational having the opportunity to watch Neko slay the DS course at Platty two weeks ago. I watched his qually run and he looked so relaxed and smooth he actually looked like he was going slow! 27.something seconds later he put down the fastest time ever on that track. 4 plus seconds quicker than my fastest DS run ever. Watching him inspired me to have fun, relax, and ride my DH bike to my first DS podium ever that weekend and $20 bones. Thanks Neko and best of luck to you and your family in 2010!
 
C

Captain23

Chimp
Oct 6, 2009
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Spain
Just a couple of corrections.

Martin used to represent a lot more athletes from high-profile teams until he started running the Trek program, from what I gather their sponsors weren't too keen on the idea of essentially paying one of their biggest competitors.
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23 Degrees owns Trek World Racing...we don't run the program for Trek, they are the title sponsor....so no-one is paying a competitor....they are paying the athlete...the athlete hires 23 Degrees. You're assumption is not correct. We have great relationships with all the major teams and manufacturers. We typically sign up and coming riders, and when they make it, or have learned the ropes, we let them go in many cases. David Vazquez has retired, and we are currently signing new riders. Neko is the first of our next generation.

and Minnaar in '09 after something like 11 years together.
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Our management contract with Greg is valid until the end of 2010....13 years together and counting.

Imagine it would be a lot like when Brendan first signed with 23 Degrees and rode for Honda? in reality he was Martin's rider (since Martin ran the Honda program) and wasn't really a full fledged member of the g-cross team like greg and matti. seems like the perfect way for a big team to get behind him without a lot of risk, or strain on their budget.
Click to expand...
Brendan was a full member of Team G Cross Honda. 23 Degrees contributed funds to that team every year of it's existence. His contract was identical to Greg and Matti's, except that each rider had a different salary obviously.

Thanks for the interest in Neko, we are speaking to a number of teams about him right now, and we're excited about his prospects.
 
primo661

primo661

Monkey
Jun 16, 2008
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Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
General Lee said:
He's super fast, but the top step of a WC podium is no short order. Assuming 2 yrs on the circuit as jrs, it took Gee 3 years (and 2 more to get his second win), Blenkinsop 4 years, Hill 6 years, Pascal 4 years, Barel 3 or 4 years, Hannah 6 or 7, Leheikoinen 6 (at least). Most of the current crop of podium finishers got their first win between their 2nd and 4th season as a senior after 2 years on the circuit as juniors. Pretty sure the last guy to win a WC while still a junior was Vouilloz in 1994??

So many super fast guys (and a laundry list of up-and-coming juniors) get lost in the top 20 forever, but I have a feeling this kid won't be one of them. He's got the skills, fittness, and the proper attitude to mix it up with the best. Much like Blenkinsop, Fairclough, Smith, and Brycelend have been able to do.

In all honesty, if he gets a full ride I wouldn't be in the least bit surprised to see him take the Jr. overall in his first season.
Click to expand...
Although Minnaar won the overall when he was 19 in 2001, in only his second full season. So the young guns can make an impact on the top step of the podium. Granted, he didnt win a WC until he was 19 either.
 
bizutch

bizutch

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Dec 11, 2001
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rollertoaster said:
Good for him. I was riding my bike in the park at lunch today and passed him jogging. Odd coincidence

I guess this explains why he was jogging and not in school.
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Most schools are on fall break this week.:thumb:

I called it on this kid a few years ago when he showed up at Snowshoe on an all air shocked Rocky Mountain RMX at 14 and maybe a whopping 140 lbs and threw down 2nd behind Herndon on a brutal course. I'm not saying I'm the first, just I'm good at spotting ture talent. I've been in this sport for so long that when talent comes along and doesn't burn out on girls :cupidarrow:and cars at 16, they can blow up huge in racing.:thumb:

Biggest compliment I can give that kid is that he listed Herndon as first and foremost on his list of thanks!!! Chris got his start on what was a fantastic idea, the Devo team, back in the day and was even a camp counselor for youth where he lives. He always takes the younger kids in and will do run after run with them and pays it forward. I was told over the weekend that Chris is taking it up a level next year to help even more juniors. Should be exciting to see.

In terms of sucess and goals, you need only look at Palmer. "Why even show up if you don't think you can win? If I didn't think I can win, I wouldn't do it!"

Congratulations Martin.
 
Cant Climb

Cant Climb

Turbo Monkey
May 9, 2004
2,683
10
Never had fall break in PA here, schools need to save room for snow days...

Good to see Martin himself on here to squelch the blabber.

Good luck Neko.
Guess you be spending your spring training in Spain...?....that's the life...
 
John P.

John P.

Turbo Monkey
Sep 24, 2001
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bizutch said:
. . . Chris got his start on what was a fantastic idea, the Devo team, back in the day . . . I was told over the weekend that Chris is taking it up a level next year to help even more juniors.
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That old Devo truck is sitting along the side of Rte 100 just south of Mount Snow with a big FOR SALE sign in the front Window. Still looks pretty cherry. Herndon should scrape together some dough and resurrect the beast.
 
D

davetrump

Turbo Monkey
Jul 29, 2003
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that is awesome news for Neko.... having traveled with him at numerous races this year it is very obvious that he has his head in the right place and is wise beyond his 16 years when it comes to racing/training. I think we will be seeing a lot more of him in coming years.


23 degrees does an excellent job, and Martin's programs are run with a level of class that is second to none.
 
W

WillCollins

Chimp
Jun 7, 2009
27
-1
bizutch said:
Most schools are on fall break this week.:thumb:

I called it on this kid a few years ago when he showed up at Snowshoe on an all air shocked Rocky Mountain RMX at 14 and maybe a whopping 140 lbs and threw down 2nd behind Herndon on a brutal course. I'm not saying I'm the first, just I'm good at spotting ture talent. I've been in this sport for so long that when talent comes along and doesn't burn out on girls :cupidarrow:and cars at 16, they can blow up huge in racing.:thumb:
Click to expand...
I remember a fast, 14 year old Neko all too well!
 

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General Lee

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Oct 16, 2003
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Just as all of us are getting used to a 16 year old winning all the local races his younger brother is probably going to be right on his heels. How old is Logan now, lot track of him this season but he was putting up some impressive times in '08 and wasn't even big enough for a 26" wheeled bike yet?
 
IH8Rice

IH8Rice

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Aug 2, 2008
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General Lee said:
Just as all of us are getting used to a 16 year old winning all the local races his younger brother is probably going to be right on his heels. How old is Logan now, lot track of him this season but he was putting up some impressive times in '08 and wasn't even big enough for a 26" wheeled bike yet?
Click to expand...
i believe he is 14(?) and he is a real ripper!

i remember a few years ago when he was tearing it up on a 24" bike
 
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M

MasterofGroms

Monkey
Dec 4, 2008
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Thanks to everyone for the continuing support.:)

We are very excited about our prospects moving forward into the 2010 season.

Too many people to thank but a Huge Debt of Gratitude has to go out to Scott Hart and DECLINE Team America. :cheers:

Without support from great people like Scott and the DECLINE Team America Crew, achieving these goals would be impossible. We will never forget.:thumb::thumb:

We hope to see overyone at The Biketober Jam this SUNDAY 10/25/2009.

Then Saturday 10/31/09 at Belle Mountain for their debut event to cap off the season.

Finally looking forward to some off season time on the Dirtbikes.;)
 
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