UCI and Shimano sign sponsorship agreement

Shimano will be the “Presenting Sponsor” of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cups for the next three years (2006-2008). Enclosed you will find a picture of the signing ceremony and the official logo of the World Cup competition in 2006.
Details neutral service at the UCI Mountain Bike World Cups Shimano will also carry out neutral technical support at the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Cross Country events (Olympic format) as from this year. This support fits perfectly in the process of further professionalising the mountain bike sport. The Shimano neutral service will guarantee equal chances to all riders. It also will result in an important cost reduction for the teams since it will not be necessary for them anymore to send mechanics to all World Cup events. Finally, the neutral support will provide for a clear structure, in the interest of the riders. Nobody but the Shimano mechanics will be allowed in the neutral tech support zone, and they will be focusing on one target only which is helping riders with technical problems as fast and good as possible.
The basic set-up of the neutral service at the UCI Mountain Bike World Cups can be compared to the existing technical service area at Cyclo-Cross events with specific zones where technical support will be available.
During all races, Shimano mechanics will be present in the neutral technical zone. Main activities for them will be changing wheels and fixing technical problems that can be fixed on short notice. Important to mention that bike changes will not be allowed so in this sense nothing changes. Just behind this neutral area, teams will also have their own technical support and feed zone.
We are convinced that this neutral technical support will be an important improvement in the organization of the Cross Country World Cup events. We are looking forward to some exciting races and hopefully we will meet you there!