As SRAM introduces two new componentry groups and sponsorship of two professional teams, the company has also committed to a SRAM Neutral Race Support (NRS) program through 2007. The agreement puts five SRAM decaled 2006 Volvo XC70’s on the road, providing neutral mechanical support, at more than 80 events nationwide.

SRAM’s Global Marketing Manager, David Zimberoff, called the program,
“Simply furthering our commitment to the road segment.”
Program Manager Butch Balzano expects to travel nearly 250,000 miles in the
coming year and oversee as many as 15 technicians. “SRAM is excited about
the road and is demonstrating that through their strong support of this program
as well as producing some of the most exciting componentry we have seen in
ten or fifteen years.”

The SRAM NRS appearance calendar will include the Sea Otter Classic, the
Pan Mass Challenge, the International Cycling Classic, and the Fitchburg
Longsjo Classic. Balzano added, “We enjoy working with every type of road
event and, no matter where we are, it’s really just about supporting riders.”
Other sponsors of the program include Volvo cars of North America, Colnago
frames, Thule rack systems, and Michelin tires.

SRAM’s NRS will work synchronously with other neutral support programs
and when asked, Mavic’s Director of Sales and Marketing Chris Zigmont said,
“This program is complimentary to what we do and we’re excited to see another
road program supporting cycling at core events.”