The American Columbia-HTC team looks forward to a successful 2010 season announcing a name change to HTC-Columbia to kick off their first training camp of the year. After an incredible debut as a sponsor with six stage wins and 26 podium appearances in last year's Tour de France, the electronics company has realized the value of their association with the team.
"We have enjoyed tremendous success winning 285 races in 2008 and 2009 with our men's and women's cycling teams. For 2010, we are proud to again represent two innovative and industry leading international companies - HTC and Columbia Sportswear," said team owner Bob Stapleton.
The team supports a squad for both men and women with a total of 39 athletes from 18 different countries on their roster. The racing season started on January 6th with the Australian and New Zealand National Championships. The exposure from both teams has been integrated into HTC's global branding campaign to raise awareness of their products.
"We are very pleased with the powerful entrance of the HTC brand into cycling at the Tour de France in 2009. With six stage wins at the Tour and many other victories by this team's men and women throughout the rest of the season, it was a valuable part of our successful global brand launch," says HTC Corporation CEO, Peter Chou.
Stapleton has also been fortunate to have continued support from Columbia Sportswear for 2010. The high tech clothing manufacturer will be entering their third season with the team and has been pleased with the partnership. "Team HTC-Columbia was named the number one team by cycling influencers in 2009 and features a roster of exceptional athletes. We are looking forward to another outstanding year for the riders of Team HTC-Columbia in 2010," says Tim Boyle, CEO of Columbia Sportswear.
The HTC-Columbia training camp began on the Island of Mallorca, Spain yesterday.