Shimano Inc., the Japanese producer of innovative cycle parts and global market leader in the industry, has concluded a
sponsorship agreement with the team for a new four-year Olympic phase. Skil Europe BV, a producer of high-quality electrical
hand tools for DIY enthusiasts and professional users alike, also renews its 3-year commitment as main sponsor, on the basis
of a clear long-term cycling sponsorship vision.
In its recognisable red, white and blue outfit, the team has made an impact in many races this season, based on its attacking
style of riding, international presence (participation in many prestigious races in which the team’s riders made an
impression), a string of fine performances producing some exciting victories, and many promising youngsters that have ridden
at the front this year.
Apropos of the renewed sponsoring deal, Gerhard Kobesen, president of Skil Europe BV, says: "The team has clearly proven
its value as one of our most important communication tools in Europe. A tool that has generated a great deal of goodwill among
our customers and increased and strengthened the appeal of the Skil brand. We trust without reservation the team’s philosophy
and aspirations, the people that make it up and the solid, ambitious way Iwan Spekenbrink runs it."
Marc van Rooy, general manager of Shimano Europe Holding BV, justifies Shimano Inc’s renewed sponsorship as follows:
"Shimano champions cycling, which is why we are delighted to invest in the sport and, specifically, this team, which puts
such great efforts into developing young cyclists. The development of a select group of talented young cyclists from China
and Japan, who will ride a European programme to work towards the 2012 London Olympics, is also important to Shimano and that
is in good hands in this team. We realise, too, that the team needs to be given peace of mind about the future at the earliest
opportunity, so that it can develop in its own time. That is why we wanted to generate clarity at an early stage by confirming
our desire to develop the team in the coming years."
The renewed partnerships with Skil and Shimano enable the Skil-Shimano cycling team to strengthen the squad and add races
to the programme. One of the ambitions is participating in a three-week tour, which may be feasible within the new sponsorship
term. The team’s international orientation, focused first and foremost on France, the Benelux and Germany, and the principles
of ethical and responsible cycling clearly continue to be essential components in this policy. Says general manager Iwan Spekenbrink:
"We are of course delighted that these two attractive multinationals have displayed so much confidence in our organisation
and enable us to pursue our policy and new ambitions. The confidence displayed by Skil and Shimano is also a good signal for
cycling."
