Chain Reaction Cycles extend and expand sponsorship of the Friends Life Tour of Britain

23 March 2015 10:43

Chain Reaction Cycles, the world's largest online bike store, will continue their sponsorship of Britain's leading professional cycle event, the Friends Life Tour of Britain, a partnership which began in 2012.

The extension of Chain Reaction Cycles sponsorship of British Cycling's leading road cycling event will see riders again racing for the Chain Reaction Cycles Points Jersey this September, won most recently by Michal Kwiatkowski, a fortnight before he became World Road Race Champion.

The expanded partnership will also include Vitus becoming the Official Bicycle of the Friends Life Tour of Britain, and new jersey sponsorships in both the Friends Life Women's Tour and Pearl Izumi Tour Series, both of which events will now see riders also battling for the Chain Reaction Cycles Points Jersey.

Both events will also enjoy the same association with Vitus, as their official bike brand, while Chain Reaction Cycles will also benefit from an extensive digital presence across all event websites, which will see greater content being shared between the races and the highly popular Chain Reaction Cycles Hub.

Vitus Brand Manager Simon Cordner said: "We're delighted to support the Friends Life Tour of Britain as Official Bike Partner for 2015. Having been associated with professional racing for many years – more recently through our support of the An Post – Chain Reaction UCI team, we're looking forward to working with SweetSpot on this prestigious event.”

Grant Norris, Global Head of Events at Chain Reaction Cycles said: "The success of the Friends Life Tour of Britain along with its popularity amongst UK cycling fans has elevated it into one of the world's most iconic races. We're proud to once again support the Friends Life Tour of Britain through the sponsorship of the Points Jersey and look forward to meeting again with cycling enthusiasts en route the length and breadth of Britain.”

Commenting on the renewed partnership, Alastair Grant, Commercial Director for SweetSpot, organisers of the Friends Life Tour of Britain said;

"We are delighted to welcome the return of Chain Reaction Cycles as a major partner for the Friends Life Tour of Britain, but also thrilled to be able to extend their involvement into the Friends Life Women's Tour and Pearl Izumi Tour Series. It is great news that Chain Reaction Cycles have chosen these platforms as the best possible way to promote their brand and Vitus Bikes to a domestic and international audience and we look forward greatly to working closely with them going forward.”

Previous Chain Reaction Cycles Points Jersey winners in the Friends Life Tour of Britain include Michal Kwiatkowski (2014), Martin Elmiger (2013) and Boy Van Poppel (2012).

Source: DSG