Russell Carty is 27 and is living the life, based for the last two years in Monaco working as the European Media Relations Director for Kona and travelling the world as the Team Manager for the Kona Les Gets Factory Team.

But it has not always been the high life for Russ, he started off back in 1998 working for the then Kona importers (Second Level Sports) as a Sales Coordinator, liaising with sales teams, bike shops and working with the cycling press and the media. He started to get more involved with the promotional side of the business and put forward to his boss the idea of a race team to help push the image of the brand…the Kona team was born. The teams big break came when Ford Focus contacted them out of the blue and said that would be keen to come on board as a major sponsor, Russ and the team haven’t looked back since.
If I had to describe Russ it would be pretty easy; he’s organised, honest, hard working, professional, good fun, ever helpful, unaffected, but most of all devoted to mountain biking and all things Kona. In fact he is a real success story, living proof that with a lot of hard work you can do just about anything, fulfil your dreams and live the life.

Who is Russell Carty?

He is a tall, blonde with a goatee.

Where do you live?

With the rich and famous in Monaco.

What do you do?

Umm…lots? My official job title is Media Relations Director and Team Manager but I basically do everything to do with marketing for Kona in Europe and run the Kona Factory Team.

Where is your favourite place?

At the moment I have to say the south of France, I love living in Monaco as I am right next to the sea but then have the mountains right behind me.

Where is your favourite place to ride?

This is a tough one as I have ridden in some amazing places and they are all different and unique, but if I had to decide it would be the North Downs near Guildford, which is where I used to live before as I have great memories from riding there when I was younger.

What is your greatest extravagance?

All Day Breakfasts from Heinz and Worcester Source, I have the get them shipped across from the UK specially to Monaco

When are you most happiest?

At a world cup race when one of my riders wins.

What makes you angry?

When somebody says they will do something and they don’t…

What makes you happy?

Being on the beach in Monaco and looking at the nice girls topless…thank the Lord for Oakley sunglasses!

What’s the best piece of advice that you have been given?

Always try your hardest and never give up.

What’s the best piece of advice that you have ever given?

It’s not something I have been given but something I have learnt, and that it never to follow Fabien Barel on one of his ‘Freeride’ routes.

What are your extravagances?

Gadgets, I am a sucker for them.

Who do you admire?

Good looking girls.

What’s the most important thing in your life?
Friends and my computer.

What is your greatest fear?

I’m not too keen on spiders.

What was your luckiest escape?

From a rather large girl in Whistler…

What’s the first thing you do in the morning?

If I am at home I go for a run by the sea.

What’s the last thing you do at night?
Watch TV.

Do you have any regrets?

Yes a few, but I look at it that you live to learn.

What’s the most important lesson that you have learnt?

Alcohol – makes the ugly girls look attractive and that can be dangerous…

Who is your favourite rider?

This is a tough one, as I have had the opportunity to work and know a lot of top riders. Scott Beaumont has been a good buddy, him and his parents really helped me get into mountain bike racing and set up our team. Then Fabien has made a big impression on me, he is a great rider, very professional, very talented and I think he is misunderstood by a lot of other riders. But if I had to choose one I suppose it would be Tracy Moseley, we have been working together for the past five years, we have both been through lots of highs and lows and she has given me a lot of advice and encouragement.

What’s your favourite motto or saying?

Dude.

What bike are you riding at the moment?

Kona Dawg Dee–Lux.

What is your favourite bicycle product of all time?

Suspension.

What’s your most memorable biking moment?

On the North Shore, I was up on a ladder and my chain snapped, luckily I managed to get my feet down otherwise it was about a 10 foot drop.

What was the last magazine you read?

Freeride Magazine from Germany.

What one thing would you change about yourself?

Be able to ride a mountain bike quickly so that I could be a pro.

What are you weaknesses?

Saying NO.

What has working for Kona taught you?

You can build your own future.

What does the future hold for Russell Carty?

That’s a tough one…I am now in control of marketing for Europe so that’s a pretty big job and there is a lot to do that will take a few years, so I will be busy.

What do you see for mountainbiking in the future?
I see bike parks getting bigger, I see people going away for a biking holiday just like people go on ski and snowboard holidays.

What things do you always carry with you?

Wallet, cell phone, computer.

How would you like to be remembered?

As “Russell the Love Muscle”… A

Russell Carty is 27 and is living the life, based for the last two years in Monaco working as the European Media Relations Director for Kona and travelling the world as the Team Manager for the Kona Les Gets Factory Team.