Yeti Cycles global leader, Garrett Davis believes MTB Junior Downhill season champion Jonty Williamson is another in a line of world-class riders coming out of New Zealand.
Davis said that Yeti Factory Racing has had a long history of working with both Kiwi and Australian riders, with considerable success.
“The mentality of Kiwi and Aussie riders has always fitted well with our American based team. The language helps, but the vibe of the riders has always fit well with our programs.”
The American boss has run out of superlatives for the Yeti-Cycles latest World Series champion from New Zealand, after showing his talents in his first year as a junior with Yeti-Fox Factory last year.
“We expected great things from Jonty this year. He worked hard in the offseason, and his fitness, tenacity and focus were immediately apparent with his first win in South Korea. So early this season we knew we had a champion and our Team Manager Gunnar Franke and staff did a superb job to support him.
“We’ve been not only proud of what Jonty has done on the bike but also managing his studies off the bike. He’s a sharp young man.”
Davis said their team has been delighted with the efforts by Williamson and fellow Kiwi Tyler Waite, and said they are hopeful of adding another Kiwi rider to the team next year.
The company has partnered New Zealand’s Olympian Kashi Leuchs and his team who have funnelled emerging Kiwi talent to international opportunities.
“We are incredibly thankful for Kashi and his team who have helped us find countless up and coming riders over the years. He’s a legend for helping launch Kiwi talent internationally.
“We’re not sure what is driving the incredible talent coming out of New Zealand, but it’s amazing to see the aptitude on track from the Kiwis. This is true both for racing, but also with freeriders like Robin Goomes.”
Davis said his team had enjoyed the support from American multi champion Richie Rude.
“It has been fun to have Richie mentoring these young riders. In the past 10 or more years Richie has proven to be one of the best riders of his generation, and the winningest rider in Yeti Factory Racing history.
“Jonty, Tyler and our other young riders have a huge opportunity to work with Richie on and off the track."
Davis said Yeti Cycles are enormously excited about prospects for Williamson.
"The focused persistence Jonty brought to the track that delivered him to a Junior World Cup Overall title will serve him well as he transitions to an incredibly competitive elite men’s field.
“For 2027, we’re working to provide Jonty all he needs to become a competitive elite rider. The talent pool is incredibly strong in the elite men’s field right with a young crop of talent that is driving a generational change in the sport.
"Downhill has arguably never been more competitive. Jonty’s talent, work ethic and demeanour should set him up well to succeed over time as he becomes an elite rider”
Williamson's team photo (Credit: Yeti Cycles)