Professional mountain biker Anton Cooper has had to knuckle down and train hard for his stunning achievements on the world stage.
Aged only 21 he claimed the 2015 under-23 cross-country title at the mountain bike world championships in Andorra. It is his second rainbow jersey after he won the junior (under-19) world championship three years ago.
In recognition of his dedication and undeniable talent, Subaru of New Zealand has chosen him to be its latest Brand Ambassador. Part of this exciting new partnership means the spacious, capable Subaru Outback 2.5 Premium will be assisting Anton achieve his work/life/adventure balance.
Subaru of New Zealand Managing Director Wallis Dumper says Anton is an ideal fit for the brand, which is geared towards experience seekers.
“Subaru is the enabler of Kiwis being able to live bigger lives thanks to our All Wheel Drive technology, which helps them get to their adventure playgrounds, and the generous boot space that allows them to take all their toys with them,” Mr Dumper says.
“Anton embodies the essence of Subaru drivers –people who enjoy getting out in the great outdoors and who need a roomy, reliable, robust vehicle to get them there. Anton is passionate about what he does and we are pleased to have him on board,” Mr Dumper adds.
While some people might say their car is their life, for Anton - quite literally - his life is in his car. When he is at home in Woodend, North Canterbury, he alternates his strict training regime with some fun riding missions.
On the days he is in work mode, Anton leaves his house mid-morning, packing his biking gear, spare clothes, repair kit and one or two bikes in his Subaru Outback and often won’t return until dinner time.
He is either hitting Christchurch’s Port Hills or heading out onto Bank Peninsula “down some great little narrow gravel roads, which have hardly any people on them”to log some riding hours.
“So I need to fit my whole life in the car. The Subaru Outback is perfect because it has room for all my gear,” Anton says.
Because his top of the line Cannondale mountain bikes are worth so much, Anton appreciates the security of being able to fold down the rear seats, which gives him a massive 1801litres of space, and stack his bikes on their sides, wheels still on, inside his Subaru Outback.
Usually Anton’s up to 20 hours of weekly training for his races - which are typically an intense 90 minutes of multiple laps over a mix of technical, single track, open sections and steep climbs - are spent in solitary slog-fests. But when it comes to recreational riding and it is time to play, the Subaru Outback is the perfect companion as it helps him and his mates access some fantastic out of the way areas, Anton explains.
“In summer we can load up to eight bikes comfortably [using the towbar and roof rack systems] in my Subaru Outback and drive into Arthur’s Pass. We park up and put on our packs and ride into a back country hut for the night.”
With its impressive 213mm of ground clearance, the All-Wheel-Drive Outback easily negotiates any fords and ruts, while its sophisticated X-Mode system with hill descent control makes getting down the steeper inclines a breeze.
“Subaru has got that adventurous spirit. My Subaru Outback can get me anywhere I need to go as it is a practical, functional car but the bonus is that it looks good too,”Anton says.
Subaru Outback’s horizontally-opposed Boxer engine and improved fuel economy mean Anton’s vehicle has car-like handling, despite is SUV status and is economical to fill up as he travels around New Zealand racing in the national competitions over the coming months.
“I now have the dream team of cars with my Subaru WRX STi as a personal vehicle which I own and the Subaru Outback as my sponsored vehicle thanks to Subaru. Living the dream!”
From March onwards Anton will re-join hisCannondale Factory Racing team in Germany to contest multiple World Cup and World Championship rounds before the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics in August, where his goal is to medal.
Subaru of New Zealand is proud to be associated with Anton’s journey to continue being the best in the world and looks forward to following all his adventures.
To find out more about Anton Cooper, click here.
PHOTO: Subaru of New Zealand’s new Brand Ambassador, world under-23 cross country mountain biking champion Anton Cooper, with his Subaru Outback 2.5 Premium, at Lake Hawea Station. Photo Credit Ben Read Photography.
For further information, please contact Subaru of New Zealand Public Relations - Catherine Pattison (027) 4455 389 or email catherine.pattison@subaru.co.nz