The UCI and Shimano, while extremely satisfied with their existing relationship, are delighted to announce a new sponsorship agreement for the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup covering the next three years (2006-2008). Shimano will be the “Presenting Sponsor” of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, as well as being the exclusive provider of neutral technical assistance for each leg of the series.
From 2006 the changes of rules decided by the UCI will authorise external technical assistance by mechanics during Mountain Bike Cross-country and Marathon events. Therefore, Shimano will provide the neutral technical assistance service at the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships and UCI Mountain Bike World Cup events.
This joint venture, the latest result of the fruitful and constructive relationship between the UCI and Shimano, will no doubt prove highly advantageous for the development of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup and the discipline of mountain biking as a whole.
Shimano has been promoting the development of cycling sport and cycling in general as a major sponsor of the UCI for seven years now, starting from 1999. The current sponsorship contract runs at least until 2008. In this period, Shimano will continue to be the official supplier of technical services at UCI World Championships in Mountain Biking, Road Racing, Track Racing and Cyclo Cross.
"We from Shimano are very satisfied that we were able to expand our partnership of the UCI by supporting the Mountain Bike World Cup events as from this year. It will give us additional opportunities to stay in close contact with professional riders, teams and consumers to gain immediate feedback from the market about our components. Besides, it offers an excellent platform to promote our brand name and products on a global scale."
