Descente Athletic Apparel, licensed and distributed exclusively by Axcent Sports in North America, Europe, Australia and elsewhere, has renewed its agreement for an additional two years as the official cycling, baselayer and casual apparel sponsor to Team CSC professional cycling team, based in Denmark and run by Riis Cycling.
The team, comprised of 30 of the top cyclists in the world, includes three top Americans racing in the 2007 Tour de France: Bobby Julich, Christian Vande Velde and David Zabriskie. Team CSC is owned by Bjarne Riis, himself a former top professional cyclist and the only Dane to ever win the Tour de France, which he did in 1996.
“Descente has performed beyond our expectations for 2006 so we were very happy to renew our agreement for an additional two years. Of course were also happy that Descente is showing its faith in the team given the current controversy . Above all, were excited to be moving forward with them for an extended time” said Bjarne Riis.
The teams impact upon Descentes image and recognition have been strong and is playing a major role in helping re-establish the brand in Europe and strengthen the brand in the USA and throughout the world. “Team CSCs results have been spectacular this year. They are clearly the number one team in the world. With so many wins, including Amstel Gold, Paris Roubaix and the Giro DItalia its helping our brand recognition and helping our sales directly.” Said Jim Mohan, Descentes Director of Design & Marketing.
Hugh Walton, president of Descente Athletic, Olympian and former professional cyclist said, “Extending our agreement with Team CSC is an important element of our long-term strategy of becoming the leading brand in cycling throughout the world. In spite of the problems the team has experienced prior to the start of the Tour de France, were 100% behind the team. We have a great working relationship and the riders love the apparel.”
