Having supplied team kit to the Quick Step team for many seasons, the partnership between the squad and the Vermarc cycling clothing company is set to continue until at least 2013.
A new agreement was finalised in recent days. According to owner Mark Verbeek, the ongoing relationship has been an important part of the company’s expansion over the years. “We're pleased to still be associated with the team and with Patrick Lefevere for the near future,” he said, heralding a long period of time together. “Thanks also to the splendid results the team has garnered in the recent past, the visibility of our brand has grown a lot.”
Based in Wezemaal in Belgium, the company has a sponsorship deal with three WorldTour teams, namely Quick Step, Omega Pharma-Lotto and AG2R-La Mondiale, as well as the ProContinental teams Landbouwkrediet and Topsport-Vlaanderen – Mercator.
With Quick Step due to expand next year through the introduction of Omega Pharma as a co-sponsor, the company could end up having extra visibility through increased race wins.
Quick Step general manager Patrick Lefevere is very positive about the team’s work with the company and how the relationship gels together. “The partnership with Vermarc has lasted for many years now” he said. “We're tied to the company and to the Verbeeck family by a strong professional relationship and reciprocal esteem.
“The quality of Vermarc technical clothing, both from a design standpoint and in the choice of materials, is also much appreciated by our athletes.” He said the riders give continuous feedback on the product and the company then makes adjustments if necessary.
Team star Tom Boonen will remain on board, but will be joined by several important additions, including world time trial champion Tony Martin, former champion Bert Grabsch, Martin Velits, Levi Leipheimer and others. The team looks set for a much bigger season in 2012.