New ProTeam just weeks away from season debut
With its UCI ProTeam licence now in place, GreenEdge is making final preparations for its first season and has announced a new backer for the 2012 season.
Motor company Subaru has come on board and will supply vehicles to the team; equally importantly, it sees its association as an opportunity to push for safer driving on the roads. Tour de France champion Cadel Evans recently commented on the risks facing cyclists from drivers; Subaru says that it wants to help create a better environment.
“With GreenEdge we have a team that can capture the imagination of Australians as they take on the best in the word,” stated Subaru Australia General Marketing Manager Andrew Caie in a team statement. “The team will have a huge influence in getting young people connected to the sport and out on their bikes to emulate their cycling heroes.
“As a company we’re in this for the long run as we know Subaru customers love to cycle, and, as a car company, we are committed to the safe use of the roads by everyone.”
In confirming the deal, it means that the team will join existing Subaru arrangements with Cycling Australia, AustCycle and the Amy Gillet Foundation in a partnership with the All-Wheel Drive car company.
The team has been set up without a named sponsor, with Australian entrepreneur Gerry Ryan being a major part of the funding until a title backer is found. With a ProTeam licence now in place, guaranteed access to races such as the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España, and interest in cycling at an all-time high due to Evans’ Tour victory, hopes are growing that a big sponsor could come on board.
The Subaru deal is an important one, though, as it covers a significant cost to a team. “For GreenEdge this partnership is extremely valuable on several levels,” said general manager Shayne Bannan. “With Subaru, we have access to the perfect vehicles for all our different purposes and demanding tasks throughout the season. From the cobbled paths of Paris-Roubaix to the alpine roads in the Tour de France, we’ll be driving great cars that suit the task at hand.
“Also, and just as importantly, we’ll be part of a great initiative promoting sustainability, safety and the joy of riding bikes.”