Although it has been a tough couple of months for the sport, as evidenced by the withdrawal from sponsorship of companies such as Rabobank and Exergy, there is some welcome news for cycling with confirmation of two backers either getting involved or continuing their support of key events.
The WorldTour-season opening Santos Tour Down Under has confirmed that car hire company Europcar has committed to becoming both the backer of the most competitive rider’s jersey and also the official vehicle hire partner of next year’s race.
The company already backs the self-titled French team, which last year held the yellow jersey for much of the race courtesy of Thomas Voeckler, and this year clocked up three stages, the mountains jersey and a top ten finish overall via Voeckler and his team-mate Pierre Rolland.
“We welcome the Europcar team to the Santos Tour Down Under,” said Minister for Tourism Gail Gago. “We look forward to working with them over the coming months as they make their debut at the 2013 event as sponsor of the Most Competitive Rider Jersey.”
The race will run from January 20th to 27th and will feature all eighteen WorldTour teams.
Meanwhile confectionary company Mars has renewed its support for the Cycling Australia Road National Championships, which will be held next year from January 9th to 13th in Ballarat and Buninyong.
The agreement to continue means that the company will be behind the races for the seventh consecutive year, something which Cycling Australia CEO Graham Fredericks applauded.
“Cycling Australia is delighted to continue the positive working relationship with Mars in 2013 and beyond,” he said, “Adding to our new arrangement with Ballarat Regional Tourism, it is a positive outcome for cycling that we secured the continued involvement of Mars.”
Ballarat has hosted the event for nine out of the past ten years.
The championships events will begin in the area with the time trial events, then continue with the criterium and road race titles.
2013 Mars Cycling Australia Road National Championships:
Wednesday, 9 January – Lake Wendouree, Ballarat:
U23 Men’s Time Trial
Elite & U23 Women’s Time Trial
Elite Men’s Time Trial
Thursday, 10 January – Sturt Street, Ballarat:
U23 Men’s Criterium
Elite & U23 Women’s Criterium
Elite Men’s Criterium
Saturday, 12 January – Geelong Rd, Buninyong:
U23 Men’s Road Race
Elite & U23 Women’s Road Race
Sunday, 13 January – Geelong Rd, Buninyong:
Amy’s Ride – Victoria
Elite Men’s Road Race