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Andover, NH (Ski Press)-Stop the presses! On the back of the big news about Elan’s partnership with Dalbello in the USA comes another stunning announcement. Skiing icon Glen Plake, who has been skiing on K2s since before the Blizzard of AAHHH’S was released in 1988, will also be making a move of his own – to Elan Skis. Plake’s multi-year contract with Elan became effective October 15th.
“What better way is there to communicate the excitement and momentum of Elan Skis joining forces with Dalbello Skiboots than to have Glen Plake skiing on both our products? It couldn’t be more perfect” said Clint Lyon, CEO of Dalbello~Elan Sports, the new alliance that will distribute Dalbello and Elan in the USA beginning January 1, 2007. “Glen is unquestionably the world’s best ambassador for our sport, and we are honored to have him working with both development teams to create new and innovative products.”
Martin Lehner, Sales and Marketing VP of Elan Slovenia adds, “Glen’s enthusiasm and energy for the sport are contagious. Our plans for Elan Skis over the next several years are very ambitious. We look forward to having Glen play a key role in our global efforts to communicate just how special Elan skis are.”
As part of the deal, Glen will be involved with the R&D department at Elan to create a new generation of freeride and freestyle ski shapes incorporating and using Elan’s ski building expertise and proprietary technologies.
“I love tinkering around in ski factories, and it’s really exciting for me to be able to work at Elan’s factory with such a young, open minded, and talented group of engineers. Elan skis are world class performers and the quality is unbelievable. I can’t wait to jump in to the program. I’m totally stoked about Elan!”
Glen’s wife Kimberly will also join the Elan team working with the W Studio women’s program as a member of the design and development team. Kimberly Plake is almost as well known as her husband in her own right and she is no stranger in the world of women’s style and fashion.
Kimberly Plake is a former Miss Texas beauty pageant finalist and commercial print model. More recently she has worked as a fashion consultant with the RSN Resort Sport Network Television channel. She is a nationally ranked waterskier, as well as one of the hottest women mogul skiers in the USA. It is not ironic to hear Kimberly and Glen affectionately referred to as “Beauty and the Beast”.
Glen and Kimberly will embark on fall and winter promotional tour for Elan and Dalbello that is currently in the planning stages. Plan to see the Plakes at SIA Las Vegas, as well as at some of the regional on snow demo events during the winter season. Specific details about the Plake’s Elan and Dalbello promotional schedule will be announced at a later date.
