The folks behind the U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclocross have been hard at work confirming sponsors for the nation’s longest running national series. Stanley, a manufacturer of food and beverage gear, has stepped us as tittle sponsor of the Portland stop, while Fuji Bikes has joined as the series’ official bike sponsor. Official press releases below.
Fuji Joins USGP as Official Bike Sponsor
The series that stoked the exponential growth of cyclocross in the United States – the U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclocross – and Advanced Sports Inc. are pleased to announce that FUJI will be the Official Bike Sponsor of the 2009 series.
USGP Event Director Joan Hanscom said, “We are thrilled to welcome FUJI to the USGP family of sponsors. As an event, we recognize the value of the strong relationships FUJI brings to the table. From their strong regional dealer presence in all the USGP markets to having retired Pro Mark McCormack’s expertise leading their expansion of cross offerings, we believe that FUJI is positioned to grow along with the series.”
“Moving to build on its already strong existing ‘cross line-up of the Cross Pro and Cross Comp models, FUJI is looking to build up its presence in the growing cross market and sees the USGP as an important venue for that mission,” said ASI’s Chris Mesigian. “Our decision to come on as the Official Bike Sponsor of the USGP was influenced heavily by our many employees who experienced the Mercer Cup event first-hand. We believe it’s a very well organized series of events that truly delivers from elite to novice and provides excellent reach into the cross community.” FUJI will be adding a new model, the Cross RC, for 2009 season and, working with Mark McCormack, is developing a carbon cross bike for the 2010 season.
The 2009 USGP schedule features eight full days of top-level professional and amateur racing. The Series kicks off September 26 and 27 with the Planet Bike Cup in Madison, WI, followed by the Derby City Cup on October 24 – 25 in Louisville, Kentucky. The Series then continues on to with the Mercer Cup in Mercer County, NJ on November 14 and 15 before returning to Portland, Oregon for the for the traditional series finale on December 5 and 6 – just one week before the US National Cyclocross Championships in Bend, OR.
Fuji Bikes / Advanced Sports Inc.
Advanced Sports, Inc. (ASI) is a privately held corporation located in Philadelphia, PA with distributors in over fifty countries. Operating in the U.S. through the independent bicycle dealer network (IBD), ASI markets a full line of high performance and recreational bicycles under four distinct brands – Fuji , SE, Kestrel and Breezer. For more information, visit: fujibikes.com, sebikes.com, kestrelbicycles.com, breezerbikes.com.
More information on the USGP will be released in the coming weeks. For more information on the USGP, visit USGP of Cyclocross.
Stanley Gear Becomes Title Sponsor of USGP Portland Stop
Organizers of the US Gran Prix of Cyclocross, (USGP) have announced today that Stanley food and beverage gear has expanded its support of the country’s premiere cyclocross series by becoming the Title Sponsor of the Stanley Portland Cup in Portland, OR December 5th and 6th and extending its support to the other series events as well.
The U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclocross (USGP) features the deepest and most competitive fields racing on this side of the Atlantic. The 2009 Series kicks off on September 26th and 27th with the Planet Bike Cup in Madison, WI followed by the Derby City Cup in Louisville, KY on October 24th and 25th, and the Mercer Cup presented by Knapps’s in Mercer Co., NJ on November 14th and 15th before the Series Finale – The Stanley Portland Cup on December 5th and 6th.
“The US Gran Prix of Cyclocross is thrilled to have Stanley Gear return as Title Sponsor of the US Gran Prix of Cyclocross – Portland Cup,” said Bruce Fina, Executive Director, US Gran Prix of Cyclocross. “Last year we were completely blown away by the Stanley brands participation in the Portland Cup. Their products were a huge hit – they are a perfect match for our weather and style of bike racing – and Portland was the ideal way to launch this relationship. This year with their participation extended throughout the season their presence will be bigger, better and more exciting for the athletes and spectators alike.”
“Stanley Gear is proud to return as Title Sponsor for Portland Cup and an overall series sponsor” said JoAnne Anderson, consumer marketing manager. “Cyclocross is a natural fit for us. Our products are legendary for their thermal insulation and staying warm is mission critical at any cross race. It’s a win for all.”
As part of their involvement with the series, Stanley Gear will offer cyclocross racers and fans limited edition USGP/ Stanley co-branded product available for purchase at participating retailers nationwide, online at www.usgpcyclocross.com, www.stanley-pmi.com and on-site at each of the races. These items include:
- The iconic classic 1.1 Qt Vacuum Bottle (MSRP $40)
- Outdoor Drink-Thru Bottle 16oz (MSRP: $30)
- Recycled & Recyclable 16oz mug (MSRP $15).
- Stainless Steel 24oz Water Bottle (MSRP $20)
- Vacuum Food Jar 24oz (MSRP $35)
- Flask 8oz (MSRP $20).
All products come with a lifetime warranty, are packable and leak-proof. The Recycled & Recyclable Mug, Drink-Thru Bottle and Stainless Steel Water bottle are all bike rack compatible. They will be available for purchase online July 2009 and at local retailers by September 2009.
“To survive a race you need gear for your bike, but you also need gear to hold the energy that fuels your body to perform. Whether you need hot coffee to get going, soup to refuel, water to hydrate or a shot to toast a great race, we’ve got you covered,” concluded Anderson.
For more information about Stanley food and beverage gear, visit Stanley.
