Accent Inns/Russ Hay’s Cycling Team announces new sponsorship for 2016 season

The latest Canadian squad to bring new sponsorship and a new look to 2016 is out on the west coast, as B.C.-based Accent Inns/Russ Hay’s Cycling Team announces new presenting sponsorship from Champion System. With the leading global supplier of custom technical apparel on board, the team, in 2016, will be known as Accent Inns/Russ Hay’s Cycling Team powered by Champion System.

Through the partnership, the company becomes the team’s provider of technical apparel, resulting in a visually striking new presence for the Victoria squad.

Known for its high performance apparel, Champion System will offer the team a range of cycling wear for different conditions and disciplines, allowing Accent Inns’ road and ‘cross riders the opportunity to wear and test them out. Given the variable nature of west coast conditions, it’s a benefit, team officials say, that’s of special note for B.C. athletes. “In British Columbia,” general manager Jon Watkin said, “we race and train in all kinds of racing conditions: rain, hail, snow, hot, cold, you name it. The team is so grateful to have an apparel partner that has such a broad selection of products that ensure maximum comfort, but with the highest quality and performance.”

“Our racers will appreciate that they will be wearing the same gear that pros are wearing.” Watkin added.

The sleek, striking kit that the team will be wearing in 2016 was customized for the squad. A black look is accented with blue and orange stripes and white cuffs, while the kit itself, much to the team’s delight, was designed with the company’s 3D Design Center—a system that allows clients to customize the kit themselves, adding logos, shapes and patterns. As well, the team will be wearing other selections from the Champion System gear lineup, like Thermoshield jackets and vests, Apex windguards and racesuits, and Razor bib shorts.

“In the sport of competitive cycling,” Watkin continued, “having the right gear at the right time can make a huge difference between winning and losing. Mother Nature can hit us with almost anything, and our guys will be ready for it.”

As Accent Inns/Russ Hay’s Cycling Team powered by Champion System gets ready to roll for 2016—a year with priorities to be a top North American trade team—riders will be looking to build on the momentum generated by past successes, of which there have been more than a few since the squad’s 2012 debut. In 2013, the team took the Canadian national time trial championships and ranked twice in the top 10 at the following year’s event. Podium appearances at the national cyclocross championships and wins south of the border at the Tour of Walla Walla, for example, further add to the team’s ever-growing prestige.

It’s what at the heart of that prestige that the team’s new sponsors find particularly inspiring, though.

“Most of us at Champion System are competitive athletes ourselves, so we share Accent Inns/Russ Hay’s Cycling Team’s passion for cycling,” said Scott Kaylin, the company’s co-founder. “We are inspired by their dedication towards developing young riders and are honoured to support the team with the kind of cycling apparel that will allow them to perform at an optimal level.”

“We are looking forward to a successful 2016 together,” he added.