New Balance has expanded its multi-year sponsorship of Team Garmin-Sharp, the elite American professional cycling team owned by Slipstream Sports. The New Balance logo will be added to Team Garmin-Sharp’s kit and New Balance will become the exclusive off bike athletic footwear and clothing sponsor starting with the 2014 season.
Since 2011 New Balance has been the exclusive off-bike athletic footwear for Team Garmin-Sharp, and New Balance will now provide casual apparel to the team including polo shirts, track suits, t-shirts and hooded sweatshirts for various off bike activities. Versions of Team Garmin-Sharp’s off-bike apparel will also be available for consumers at www.newbalance.com and select New Balance retail outlets in spring 2014.
“New Balance and Team Garmin-Sharp continue to share the same drive and passion that initially brought our brands together,” said Rob DeMartini, New Balance president and CEO. “As one of pro cycling’s most talented we are thrilled to build on our already successful relationship with Team Garmin-Sharp.”
New Balance recently shot video footage at the team’s pre-season training camp in Colorado where Team New Balance runners Jenny Simpson, Emma Coburn and Anton Krupicka took Team Garmin-Sharp riders, including Tyler Farrar and Alex Howes, out for a six mile training run. “This video shows world class runners and riders coming together to train, and is an excellent reflection of the expansion of the New Balance ethos across multiple sports,” says DeMartini.
“New Balance has been an outstanding partner for us, and its drive for excellence continually mirrors our own,” said Jonathan Vaughters, CEO, Slipstream Sports and Team Garmin-Sharp. “We were humbled by the success of the custom argyle 890 running shoe last year, and this year we will work New Balance to create off-bike clothing that riders and fans can both experience. We are thrilled to continue to partner with New Balance in this expanded sponsorship.”
New Balance will once again release a limited edition Team Garmin-Sharp 890 running shoe, drawing inspiration from the team’s unique argyle kit. The limited edition Team Garmin-Sharp 890v4 will launch globally in June at New Balance retail stores, www.newbalance.com, and select retailers with the suggested retail price of $124.99.
New Balance will also have a visible marketing presence at key races in the U.S., particularly in California and Colorado, as well as races in Europe and Asia Pacific.
