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Since the 1960s, professional cycling teams have been synonymous with their sponsors, creating a unique blend of athleticism and corporate support on the world stage. As we gear up for the Tour de France 2024, let's delve into the businesses behind some of the most prominent teams in men's and women's cycling.
Alpecin-Deceuninck, previously known under various titles like BKCP and Corendon, made their WorldTour debut in 2024 thanks to stellar performances by Mathieu van der Poel and Jasper Philipsen. Alpecin, a German shampoo brand famed for its caffeine-infused products, is part of the Dr Wolff Group, specializing in hair and skincare.
Deceuninck, on the other hand, a Belgian company renowned for sustainable windows and doors, has deep roots in Flanders since 1937 and is publicly listed on the Euronext Brussels.
Hailing from Brittany, Arkéa-B&B Hotels boasts a rich history in the peloton, supported by Crédit Mutuel Arkéa, a French banking group with extensive interests in finance, real estate, and B2B services. B&B Hotels, a budget hotel chain originating in Brest, has expanded across 15 countries and is now majority-owned by Goldman Sachs.
Astana Qazaqstan emerged in 2007 under the auspices of Kazakhstan's sovereign wealth fund, Samruk-Kazyna. Representing the capital city, Astana, the team showcases Kazakhstan's interests in rail, oil, and aviation industries alongside its cycling endeavors.
Founded by Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Bahrain Victorious draws support from Bahrain's key economic entities like Bapco, Batelco, and Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), positioning itself as a flagship team from the Middle East.
With a recent acquisition by Red Bull, Bora-Hansgrohe is poised to make a splash in 2024. Red Bull, a global energy drink giant, continues its tradition of supporting top-tier athletes across various sports, enhancing Bora-Hansgrohe's profile alongside Hansgrohe, a leading German manufacturer of bathroom fittings.
A mainstay since 1997, Cofidis is backed by Crédit Mutuel, aligning with Arkéa in its financial services roots while focusing on consumer loans and financial products.
Decathlon, a French sports retailer with a global footprint, partners with AG2R La Mondiale, a leading insurance and financial services provider in France, reflecting a commitment to both sport and financial security.
DSM, a Dutch multinational in health, nutrition, and materials, merged with Firmenich, a Swiss flavor and fragrance company, underpinning DSM-Firmenich-PostNL. PostNL, a Dutch delivery service, completes this Dutch-German collaboration with extensive logistics support.
EF Education First, renowned for language training and educational travel, teams up with EasyPost, an e-commerce platform facilitating shipping services worldwide, embodying a blend of education and modern logistics.
Groupama, a French mutual insurance company, partners with Française des Jeux (FDJ), the French national lottery, in one of cycling's enduring sponsorships, emphasizing stability and national pride.
Ineos, a global petrochemicals giant, propels the Ineos Grenadiers, investing across energy, automotive, and sport, following its acquisition by Jim Ratcliffe.
Intermarché, a prominent French supermarket chain, supports Wanty, a Belgian construction firm, highlighting diverse business interests in retail and civil engineering.
Israel-Premier Tech, founded under Israeli and Canadian sponsorship, combines cycling with Premier Tech's sustainable solutions expertise, focusing on environmental and corporate social responsibility.
Jayco, an American RV manufacturer, partners with AlUla, Saudi Arabia's tourist board, promoting heritage tourism alongside cycling endeavors, bridging cultures through sport.
Lidl, the German discount supermarket chain, collaborates with Trek, a leading global bicycle manufacturer, reinforcing quality and accessibility in both retail and cycling equipment.
Lotto, Belgium's national lottery, teams up with Dstny, a business communications firm, showcasing Belgian entrepreneurship and corporate networking.
Movistar, a Spanish telecommunications giant, sponsors Spain's oldest cycling team, promoting connectivity and national heritage across its diverse services.
Soudal, a Belgian leader in building materials, partners with QuickStep, a flooring manufacturer, symbolizing innovation and durability in construction and cycling.
TotalEnergies, a major French energy company, rebranded from Total in 2021, continuing its legacy in energy and sports sponsorship with TotalEnergies cycling team.
Representing the United Arab Emirates, Emirates Airlines and its sponsorships uphold the UAE Team Emirates, highlighting both aviation and cycling on a global stage.
Uno-X Mobility, a Norwegian-Danish fuel station chain with a focus on electric vehicle infrastructure, supports a sustainable approach to cycling in Scandinavia.
Visma, a Norwegian IT consultancy, partners with Lease a Bike, a bike leasing company, blending technology and mobility solutions across Europe.
As the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes captivate global audiences, these partnerships underscore the intersection of sport, business, and innovation. These teams not only race for victory but also carry the stories and ambitions of their sponsors, enriching the spectacle of cycling worldwide.
Source: Cyclist
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