Dutch Bank to take over as name sponsor of Dutch champion’s existing Nederland Bloeit team
As reported earlier today, Rabobank has been chasing the signature of world number one Marianne Vos in order to start a women’s team to aim for Olympic success in 2012. The Dutch bank has now reached an agreement with the 24-year-old, and the team will be created in the new year in a contract that will last for at least two years.
The stumbling block had reportedly been Vos’ reluctance to leave the Nederland Bloeit team that had been built around her. The resolution here has been for Rabobank to simply step in as the new main sponsor, leaving the existing organisation in situ.
“Starting a women’s team is a logical step, given that we support the full breadth of the cycling,” said Bert Bruggink of the Rabobank executive board. “We have, of course, been involved in women’s cycling through our partnership with the Royal Dutch Cycling Union (KNWU), but by sponsoring a team around Marianne Vos, we now complete the picture.”
Rabobank will now sponsor four teams, with the other three being the ProTeam, the under-23 Continental team and an Off-road team, which includes US cyclocross champion Katie Compton.
“We hope that, with our experience and expertise, we can strengthen women’s cycling,” said Harold Kneber, general manager of the Rabobank cycling team. “That the sponsorship is not entirely unexpected, is clear; we have been in conversation a long time.
“This was the right time to support Marianne and her team, given the uncertainty about its survival.”
Vos herself is delighted with the new arrangement, which will keep the World’s number one team together under the sponsorship of the Netherlands’ biggest cycling supporter.
“They have been a leading team and sponsor for many years,” she said. “Their professionalism and structure will take team and the whole of women’s cycling forward.”
With the team expected to largely resemble the Nederland Bloeit team of 2011, including World Cup winner Annemiek van Vleuten, Dutch sprint legend Jeroen Blijlevens will remain as director sportif.
“We are grateful for the opportunity that the Rabobank Cycling Teams offer,” said the four-time Tour de France stage winner.
In addtion to Rabobank, Interpolis and Giant bicycles will also join the team as sponsors.