MBT, the footwear maker, has partnered with the Jelly Belly P/B Kenda Cycling Team in the 2011 Amgen Tour of California, the largest cycling event in the U.S.

MBT, in its third year of participation in the Tour of California, will serve as the official off-bike footwear brand for the Jelly Belly P/B Kenda team, which has been sponsored by the Jelly Belly Candy Company for the past 12 years, making it the longest-running title sponsorship in U.S. cycling history.

As a sponsor of Team Jelly Belly P/B Kenda, MBT will provide each of the 13 team members two pairs of MBTs – the Mahuta Blue and Jawabu Black – to be worn off the bike during the eight-day Amgen Tour of California. The eight-stage race, set for May 15 – 22, will feature top-level riders from around the world.

“MBT is proud and excited to be sponsoring the Jelly Belly P/B Kenda Cycling Team this year,” said David Ludd, MBT's marketing director. “As the leader in the physiological footwear arena, supporting individuals in their pursuit of an active lifestyle is what we're about, and the members of Team Jelly Belly are great role models for healthy living.”