Team GreenEdge signs up with Subaru right after receiving its World Tour license
The newly formed professional team, GreenEdge, has secured a two year sponsorship deal with the car manufacturer Subaru. The firm will also support the Australian Federal Government’s project AustCycle that aims to teach cycling skills to the general public.
Shayne Bannan is the team’s General Manager, who commented that having Subaru as the main sponsor will certainly help the team.
Team GreenEdge managed to secure the professional license a few days back as it became the first ever Australian team to achieve the milestone.
UCI released the list of 15 World Tour teams in October 2011, and Bannan’s team was not on that list.
Three more teams were announced in November, with GreenEdge and RadioShack-Nissan-Trek receiving the confirmation towards the end.
Bannan, however, mentioned that there were hitches in the way but he was confident that his side will receive the professional status.
He was so excited that he could not go back to sleep after hearing the confirmation news from UCI as he said, "Until today we've really just been a project".
The team has now achieved another milestone after securing a contract with Subaru as their sponsor.
Shayne shared his thoughts after signing the deal with the Car manufacturer, “With Subaru, we have access to the perfect vehicles for all our different purposes and demanding tasks throughout the season,” he said.
He further added, "Also, and just as importantly, we'll be part of a great initiative promoting sustainability, safety and the joy of riding bikes. It's great to see a big, international brand like Subaru support such a valuable cause and we are very happy
to be a part of it too".
The team is funded by the Melbourne based businessman, Gerry Ryan, who hinted that they are keen to find some additional funding from Asian markets, especially for the 2013 season.
He stated that Australian companies failed to provide their support for the team, however, there are a few Chinese investors interested in their project.
Bannan is hopeful that the Australian squad will start the new season positively as he has signed some of the top players in the line-up. Travis Meyer, Cameron Meyer, Jack Bobridge, Stuart O’ Grady, Pieter Weening, Simon Gerrans and Matt Goss are some of
the top names to represent the Australian squad for the 2012 season.
Tags: