Johannesburg, 23 Nov 2001
Microsoft South Africa today announced its sponsorship of a professional cycling team led by Douglas Ryder, defending champion of the Cape Argus Pick `n Pay Cycle Tour.
The million rand deal includes the sponsorship of seven professional riders as well as the club to which they belong, Club 100, which is the largest cycling club in Gauteng with 800 members.
Members of the team include some of the top riders in the country, namely Simon Kessler, Morne Bester, Jamie Ball, Owen Hannie, Johan van der Berg and Darren Lill. Graeme McCallum will manage the Microsoft Cycling Team.
Commenting on the sponsorship deal, Deputy Managing Director at Microsoft South Africa, Gordon Frazer said: "We are delighted to sign winning riders for the Microsoft Cycling Team. There are great synergies between cycling and our business in that the criteria to succeed include the ability to move quickly, respond rapidly and adapt nimbly to a constantly changing and challenging landscape."
Douglas Ryder, South African National Team Captain and Vice President of the South African Cycling Federation said: "The Microsoft sponsorship brings tremendous benefits to cycling in South Africa. Microsoft has committed to a three year sponsorship, with an option to extend to five years, allowing the team to prepare for three fantastic seasons and develop younger riders to join the professional ranks in the second and third years."
The sponsorship will kick off in January next year.
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