H&R Block Pro Cycling and Pearl Izumi Canada announce partnership

On Tuesday morning, H&R Block Pro Cycling and Pearl Izumi Canada announced their partnership ahead of the 2015 cycling season.  M1 Pro Cycling’s Mark Ernsting, the CEO of the organization behind the UCI continental team, was on hand in Brampton, Ont., for the announcement. In addition to wearing Pearl Izumi clothing, the team will also be equipped with Shimano wheels, groupsets and Pro components. “For now, we are looking at just 2015, but our hope is to extend beyond 2015. That’s our intention. All parties are aware of that,” said Ernsting. “Our goals are longterm.”

“It’s certainly something that is mutually beneficial,” said David Blondel, Shimano Canada’s marketing co-ordinator. “We’re excited that a project like this is happening in Canada and for us it’s an opportunity to showcase the brand at this level of competition.” M1 Pro Cycling is looking to increase the overall presence of cycling in Canada, which appeals to Shimano Canada as well. “There is a real development component to this project – it grows the exposure of cycling in our country,” said Glenn Cameron, Shimano Canada’s soft-goods division manager.

“We’re looking longer term, not at a four year cycle. We want a program whereby younger riders, 19 to 20 years old, can look at an older generation, 26 years old and above,” said Ernsting in reference to his overall vision. M1 aspires to become an important facet of the Canadian cycling community. The creation of the UCI continental team is only the first stop. Ernsting plans to add a women’s team and a pro continental or WorldTour team in the future.

H&R Block Pro Cycling’s race schedule will begin at the San Dimas Stage Race in California on March 27, followed by the Redlands Bicycle Classic, the first professional race on the NRC Calendar. Other key goals for the team will be the Tour de Beauce, Canadian national championships and the Cascade Cycling Classic.

“It’s a really good time for cycling in Canada because of the varying initiatives and we’re happy to be a part of this. We want to see people succeed,” said Joe Mignacca, Pearl Izumi Canada’s sales manager.

While the creation of a Canadian WorldTour team is ambitious, the program has begun take shape since the summer with key stakeholders beginning to sign on.  Mark Ernsting has been adding members to M1’s management teams during the past few months. The partnership between Pearl Izumi is the third that M1 Pro Cycling has announced. Preceding Tuesday’s announcement, H&R Block formed a partnership as well as Norco Bicycles.