M1 Pro Cycling project adds Rudy Project and Sidi to list of sponsors
On Saturday, the M1 Pro Cycling project, the organization behind the new Canadian UCI continental team H&R Block Pro Cycling, announced the addition of two partners: Rudy Project and Sidi.
Rudy Project, which makes helmets, sunglasses, goggles and prescription eyewear, will supply the team with its Windmax road helmet and Wingspan time trial helmet. The company will also provide riders with casual and sport-specific glasses. The sponsorship, like that of H&R Block, marks a continuation of the relationship with the former H&R Block development team. “We’re proud to have sponsored the amateur Team H&R Block for the past six years, and over that time have watched them take home a phenomenal amount of victories while wearing our technically advanced helmets and sunglasses,” said Paul Craig, president of Rudy Project North America. “Now we’re excited to continue that relationship into 2015 and look forward to cheering them on as they grab even more titles around the U.S. and Canada.
Also making the transition from the development team to the professional ranks is shoe sponsor Sidi. The development squad had a five-year relationship with Vellend Tech Canada Inc., the Canadian distributor of the Italian footwear company. The connection, however, goes back even further. “With a relationship that spans more than 20 years, Vellend Tech Canada Inc. is proud to have the H&R Block Pro Cycling Team ride on our Sidi Wire shoes. This is a fantastic opportunity to advance the Sidi brand with one of Canada’s top professional cycling teams,” said Robert Vellend, president and CEO of Vellend Tech.
“Having two internationally recognized brands such as Rudy Project and Sidi join the team continues to validate that we are moving toward the right direction in the evolution of the M1 Project”, said sponsorship director Robin Clegg.
In May 2014, M1 Sports Management CEO Mark Ernsting announced his plans to develop a Canadian continental team for 2015. Ernsting and his M1 Pro Cycling advisory board, which includes members of Cycling Canada, also want to develop a pro continental or WorldTour squad in as early as 2018. M1 Pro Cycling plans to maintain both the continental team and its higher-level sibling. Just before Christmas, M1 announced that the team will wear Pearl Izumi clothing and run Shimano wheels, groupsets and Pro components on its bikes. Those bikes will be by the Port Coquitlam, B.C.-based Norco Bicycles.
