The leader’s jersey of this year’s Tour of Britain will taken on an entirely new appearance as it changes from yellow to gold under a new sponsorship deal with IG Markets. The deal is another move into the cycling market by IG Markets, which is already a partner to British ProTeam Sky Procycling, sponsors the London Nocturne, and will be creating its own rider ranking index this season.
“We are delighted to be associated with The Tour of Britain and proud to say that as the UK’s No.1 CFD Provider we will be sponsoring the IG Markets Gold Jersey,” said Tim Howkins, Chief Executive of IG Group. “The Tour of Britain presents an excellent platform for IG Markets as it is broadcast in many of our key territories worldwide, so the iconic new IG Markets Gold Jersey will be seen worldwide by millions of spectators.
“The partnership between us and Britain’s leading cycle race underlines the growing popularity of cycling in Britain, both in terms of participation and media interest. We look forward to being a part of this growth through our commitment to The Tour of Britain, which will allow us to engage with cycling fans, our clients and our prospects in a unique and very personal way.”
The eight-day Tour of Britain will begin on Sunday September 11th in southern Scotland, and finish on Sunday September 18th in Westminster in the centre of London. The race will be the last major cycle race in Britain before the London Olympics in the summer of 2012.
The new jersey, and the full race route, will be presented at the race's official launch in London tomorrow.