Germany’s only remaining cycling team will remain intact for 2009, as Bremen-based dairy company Nordmilch AG announced it would continue it’s cycling sponsorship for Team Milram.
Milram, as subsidiary of Nordmilch AG, had been considering ending its sponsorship that was set to run through 2010. Cancellation of important German races and the fact that the ARD and ZDF TV channels are attempting to boycott airing the Tour de France had left the company with little choice.
In a statement released on the teams website Nordmilch AG said “This is being done trusting in successful cycling performances by Team Milram and its new up-and-coming hopeful riders and an improvement of the current media situation.”
Milram’s Team Director Gerry van Gerwen told the Associated Press he was pleased with the decision.
German cycling has been hit hard after series of doping scandals ripped long-time sponsors Gerolsteiner and T-Mobile away from the sport. This is a much needed bright spot in the dark could that has been hanging over cycling.