PRESS RELEASE: Reinforcing its commitment to the performance and recreational cycling communities, Yakima, an innovator in vehicle racks for bikes, boats, winter sports gear, and cargo solutions, today announced an expanded program of sponsorships beginning with the Tour of California (www.amgentourofcalifornia.com) May 16 – 23, 2010. As the Official Rack Partner of this eight-stage race from Nevada City to Thousand Oaks, Yakima will rack 30 support vehicles, provide technical support and participate in the consumer expo at all seven finish line stages.
Yakima will also sponsor other well-known cycling events across all disciplines including Crankworx Whistler, RAGBRAI, US Pro Championships, Nations Triathlon, Pelatonia, Cross Crusade and many more. In addition, Yakima has renewed and added new sponsorships with pro, semi-pro and amateur cycling teams including Team Bissell, Team Mountain Khakis, Subaru-Gary Fisher Team, Team Luna Chix, and Team Exergy. Yakima will also continue to field its own factory team, the Bike Vigilantes, for local competitions in and around the Oregon mountain, road and cyclo-cross scene.
Lastly, Yakima will continue its support of Bikes Belong (http://www.bikesbelong.org), the Northwest Trail Alliance and the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) including the IMBA World Summit in Augusta, Ga. and the Subaru-IMBA Trail Care program.
“Cycling has been at the heart and soul of the Yakima brand since the beginning,†said Joel Grabenstein, marketing and promotions manager at Yakima. “Our inspiration for consumer inspired products is rooted in the cycling community and the experiences we have as a part of it. Supporting events, teams and non-profits that make cycling more accessible to more people fosters healthy growth for the sport and the industry.â€