ARR Craib Transport Ltd, denture one of the UK’s leading providers of transport and logistics services, arthritis has been unveiled as the title sponsor for the 2013 MSA Scottish Rally Championship.

The partnership strengthens ARR Craib’s commitment to raising the profile of motorsport nationally, building on its current sponsorship of a single stage in the Granite City Rally in Aberdeen.

The Scottish Rally Championship comprises eight exhilarating events and launches this year with the Snowman Rally, based in Inverness, on 16 February. Around 100 drivers, navigators and their support crews – watched by thousands of spectators – will tackle gravel forestry tracks and closed road tarmac during the course of the season in a bid to take the overall championship crown.

All eyes will be on Dumfries-based driver David Bogie, winner of the last four championships with co-driver Kevin Rae, to see if he can set a new record by finishing top of the podium for a fifth year running. 

Eddie Anderson, managing director of ARR Craib, says the firm is proud to be involved in what will be an incredibly exciting year for the sport in Scotland. He adds, “The Scottish Rally Championship is undoubtedly one of the most thrilling motorsport series in the UK. The standard of competition is second to none and it has proved to be a breeding ground for exceptionally talented drivers.

“It should also be remembered that The Scottish Rally Championship is not only a fantastic sporting success but also plays a very important role in the economy of the local areas where each of the eight rallies are held. 

“As a transport company we feel that we have a something of an affinity with motorsport and as a consequence we wanted to strengthen our association with the championship, which started a few years ago through sponsorship of a stage on the Granite City Rally.

“We hope that our involvement as title sponsor will give the organisers the support and assistance they need to underpin the work they do in providing a first-class contest for both drivers and motorsport fans.”

Dave Robson, chairman of the Scottish Rally Championship, says, “We are delighted to welcome ARR Craib as title sponsor for the coming season. Transport and logistics go hand in hand with rallying and continually prove to be successful partners.

“Over 500 competitors, officials and supporters attended our recent Awards Ceremony in Aberdeen, demonstrating the strength of the championship and its popularity. Eddie Anderson clearly shares that enthusiasm and we look forward to working with him and his team to take the series forward through an exciting year.”

ARR Craib is headquartered in Aberdeen, and has bases at Cumbernauld in Central Scotland and Eaglescliffe in the North of England. The company operates a fleet of more than 250 vehicles and 500 trailers, and provides transport and logistics services within local, radial, UK and international markets.

The Scottish Rally Championship comprises eight events – Snowman Rally, Inverness; Border Counties Rally, Jedburgh; Granite City Rally, Aberdeen; Reivers Rally, Duns; Scottish Rally, Dumfries; Speyside Stages, Moray; Merrick Stages, Wigtown; Colin McRae Stages, Aberfeldy. The overall championship is awarded to the driver with the most points at the end of the season.

Rabobank Pro Cycling team will be under a new banner next season when they will be renamed the Blanco Pro Cycling.

Rabobank is pulling out of the sport and ending its 17-year relationship with the Dutch squad on December 31 in the wake of the Lance Armstrong doping scandal.

The banking giant’s decision has left the team and its riders facing an uncertain future and, despite the new name, they still have just one year to find a main sponsor in order to remain in the sport.

Several changes have been made to the team’s management structure ahead of the 2013 season, with Harald Knebel, of Rabobank, being replaced as director by communications manager Richard Plugge.

Global manufacturer Giant will stay on as a sub-sponsor and supply Blanco Pro Cycling with bikes.

The women’s team will continue to be named Rabobank Liv / Giant Team, but will now be managed be an independent foundation established by Marianne Vos, their leader and Olympic champion.

The Continental team, meanwhile, will continue to be sponsored by Rabobank until 2016, albeit under a new foundation set up by the Dutch Cycling Federation.

Rabobank announced it was withdrawing its sponsorship of the men’s WorldTour team in October, saying that it was “no longer convinced” cycling could be rid of doping, or that the situation would improve, in the aftermath of the revelations about the doping programme run by the US Postal Service team between 1999 and 2005.

Electronics giant, Panasonic have announced they will not renew their sponsorship with Japanese golf star Ryo Ishikawa.

Panasonic, forecast to book a mammoth $9.6 billion net loss in the current fiscal year in the process of overhauling its business, also said it would stop sponsoring a domestic golf tournament after next year.

Ishikawa, 21, ended a two-year title drought in November when he scored a one-stroke victory atthe Taiheiyo Masters. He has yet to win an individual title abroad.

“Our company has supported golfer Ishikawa for five years with the aim of backing young people in their global challenges,” Panasonic said in a statement.

“He has established an unshakable status as a top player in Japan and our company’s initial aim has been fully achieved.”

Ishikawa signed a five-year sponsorship deal with Panasonic in January 2008, eight months after becoming the youngest male winner of a major tour by lifting the domestic Munsingwear Open KSB Cup at the age of 15 years and eight months.

The value of the deal was estimated at 500 million yen ($6 million). Ishikawa has since become a hot marketing property.

The electronics firm also said it would end sponsorship of the Panasonic Open after its sixth annual edition next September as “our company is undertaking various streamlining efforts” to rebuild its business.

Panasonic has also stopped bankrolling women’s badminton and men’s basketball teams.

The country’s economic slowdown has also forced other major companies to reconsider sponsoring golf tournaments. The number of domestic tournaments next year has been cut to 23 from 25.

Online sports retailer Wiggle have become the new title sponsor of a women’s pro cycling team headlined by 2012 Olympic champions Laura Trott, Dani King and Joanna Rowsell.

In announcing the 3-year deal deal team manager/owner and 2010 Commonwealth Games Gold medalist, Australian Rochelle Gilmore, was quick to point out the advantages.

“Women have traditionally ridden for contracts as little as one-tenth of what the men earn,” Gilmore said.

“If you want to get the best out of an athlete you need to provide them with what they need—and all too often funding shortfalls mean women cyclists are not provided what they need.

“Our team philosophy is all about the athletes. The deal with Wiggle.co.ukenables us to provide better salaries and the supportive environment our athletes deserve and need so they can reach their full potential.”

Chief Executive of Wiggle, Humphrey Cobbold, shares Gilmore’s philosophy.
“Wiggle is all about providing the best,’ Cobbold said. ‘It’s a privilege to support Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling. We look forward to playing a pivotal role in supporting this tremendous group of athletes and hope that our partnership will motivate future female cycling champions the world over.”

Wiggle’s support will extend to providing the team with custom dhbtechnical cycling apparel and cycling luggage – dhb is one of the UK’s leading cycling apparel and accessory brands.Wiggle’s dedication to providing Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling athletes with comfortable, yet functional clothing is seen as a hugely valuable addition to the team.

Dual Olympic Champion, Laura Trott said: “We are very privileged to have the support ofWiggle – a global project which has the aspiration to raise the professionalism of women’s cycling.”

Adam Ryan, Head of Brand Marketing at Wiggle, added: “The development team for the dhb brand and I are excited to be working so closely with these incredible athletes to ensure we are producing the best possible apparel to suit their needs. We expect to learn from their experiences at competing and winning at the highest level in professional cycling to help improve ourdhb customer offering even further from its already well-established position as one of the world’s leading cycling apparel brands.”

Wiggle joins Honda Motor Europe as principal partners, with the team also enjoying the backing of The Bradley Wiggins Foundation and British Cycling.

The National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) announced a two-year sponsorship agreement with Sho-Air International, whose contribution adds support to the continuing growth of high school mountain biking in the United States.

Sho-Air, which has signed as a top NICA sponsor, is also the sponsor of the Sho-Air/Cannondale pro mountain bike team, and has been a sponsor of mountain biking for almost 10 years.

This agreement with Sho-Air comes with the creation of a new Platinum Plus category by NICA, as it progresses towards its objective of spreading high school mountain biking coast to coast by 2020.

NICA’s executive director Austin McInerny said: “Team Sho-Air has been a force at both the national and international pro mountain biking level for many years now, and it is very satisfying that they are joining the NICA movement as a top NICA sponsor. We are excited to collaborate with Team Sho-Air to improve and expand the high school mountain bike experience for our student-athletes, coaches volunteers and supporters. In doing so, we are enabling more young adults to strengthen body, mind and character while simultaneously building the future generation of responsible and clean cyclists. Sho-Air’s support and commitment gives us a major boost in these efforts.”

R. Scott Tedro, president and CEO of Sho-Air International, said: “NICA’s youth development program supports Sho-Air’s advocacy of healthy living through riding bicycles by providing an option to youth at an age that they can enjoy the benefits of cycling for a life time.”

“Sho-Air has unwavering support for amateur and professional racing through its US Cup premier racing series and its professional squad, Team Sho-Air/Cannondale. Sho-Air views supporting NICA as a natural progression to further support the initiative of better living through cycling and NICA is a great way to get riders started early. We look forward to a partnership that provides support of a wide range of NICA activities and programs.”

Scottish Rugby has secured a new sponsor with Caledonia Best, asthma the ale from Tennent Caledonian, unhealthy becoming the official beer of Scottish Rugby.

The announcement comes as part of a the three-year partnership deal, the biggest of its kind in Scottish Rugby history, which has seen Caledonia Best become partner to the national team, Edinburgh Rugby, Glasgow Warriors and the Emirates Airline Glasgow 7s.

The sponsorship deal has also seen Tennent Caledonian’s other flagship brands- Tennent’s Lager, Tennent’s Original Export and Magners Golden Draught- poured at Murrayfield and Scotstoun stadiums.

To mark the launch, Caledonia Best has invited fans of Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors to register to win a chance to travel with their teams’ to an away fixture on board the Scotland national team coach

Paul Condron, marketing director at Tennent Caledonian commented: “We are delighted to announce the new partnership with Scottish Rugby. Caledonia Best is truly an ale for Scotland and we see Scottish Rugby as a perfect fit for the brand.”

“To celebrate, we’re going to reward 80 Edinburgh and Glasgow fans the unique opportunity to travel aboard the Scotland national team bus for the 1872 Cup away legs which are sure to be great occasions.”

Dominic McKay, director of commercial operations, communications and public affairs at Scottish Rugby, added: “We’re delighted to have Tennent Caledonian on board as a new major sponsor and, as a company synonymous with success and Scotland, this will be a terrific addition to our family of partners.”

Danish brand ECCO, sales a leading global manufacturer of innovative footwear, has announced the signing of German Ladies’ European Tour player Caroline Masson, who will compete in the brand’s market-leading Hybrid line, fronted by the new Classic Hybrid, Biom Hybrid and Golf Street designs.

The multi-year agreement will see her compete with the ECCO logo on her collar, and she will appear on global marketing materials.

Masson has had her strongest year to date in 2012, as she finished 2nd on the Order of Merit following a string of top-5 finishes and her maiden win in South Africa, during which she wore ECCO’s Biom Golf shoe. She’s currently 48th in the Official Rolex Rankings, having had several strong finishes on the LET since she won Final Qualifying in 2009. She recently won her unconditional Tour Card for the LPGA 2013 with a solid T11 at Stage III of the Qualification Tournament in December, 2012.

Commenting on the deal, Masson said: “It’s paramount that my footwear performs consistently throughout the year, and with ECCO’s Hybrid shoes, I know I will be wearing the best on Tour. As soon as I slipped my first pair on, I felt the ‘out-of-the-box’ comfort that all the pros look for.

“From a fashion perspective, the 2013 line offers everything you could possibly want and more. This, combined with ECCO’s unique E-dts sole, will provide me with the best footwear experience on the market. I can’t wait to see what difference it’ll make in competition.”

Masson is currently first in the Solheim Cup rankings for 2013, when the event will head to Colorado before turning to her home nation for the first time in 2015 at St. Leon-Rot.

“After the year that Caro’s had, it’s testimony to the quality of our products that she’s committed to wearing ECCO Hybrids,” said Jesper Thuen, Global Marketing Manager. “Her golf ability, grace and personable nature make her a great fit for the brand.”

The 2013 collection will also be worn in competition by Tour stars Fred Couples, Graeme McDowell, Thomas Bjorn, Belén Mozo, Thongchai Jaidee, Stuart Appleby, Bradley Dredge and Andreas Hartø.

Volkswagen Ireland has announced that it has renewed its association with Leinster Rugby and is once again the official car partner to the Leinster Rugby Team.

The signing marks the renewal of an association that began in September 2009. Volkswagen and Leinster Rugby have signed a 3-year deal.

Leinster Rugby Chief Executive Michael Dawson said: “Volkswagen are a world-renowned international brand who share the same values as ourselves. We are delighted to renew our deal with them as they have been a committed partner in recent years and we look forward to continuing our relationship over the coming term.”

“Volkswagen has been committed over the last 3 years to developing our association with Leinster Rugby. This has been embraced by all of our Volkswagen dealers. We are delighted to continue this successful partnership and are looking forward to continuing our support through the 2012/13 season and beyond, medstore ” said Maeve McCarey, Marketing Manager of Volkswagen Ireland. 

Handheld Group, order the rugged mobile computer and smartphone supplier, arthritis has signed a sponsorship agreement with the Swedish national biathlon team.

The team and its coaches will use Handheld’s Algiz 7 ultra-rugged tablet PC for timing and other services to the athletes during practice and competitions.

“Our biathletes and coaching staff operate in the toughest of environments, clinic ’ said Ingmar Arwidson, secretary general for the Swedish biathlon team. “Our main objective is to coach our athletes with the most accurate and up-to-date information possible. Our coaches and support staff often find themselves in harsh conditions, such as severe wind, snow and cold.

“With Handheld’s rugged computers, we can eliminate all the hassles we encounter with ordinary computers, which simply do not work that well outdoors. Handheld’s functional and rugged computers work nicely in all weather conditions and have screens that are fully visible even in direct sunlight.”

The Algiz 7 ultra-rugged tablet features a 7-inch touchscreen, runs the Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate operating system and offers wireless communication across the globe. It features MaxView display technology, which provides screen clarity and brightness in outdoor conditions. The computer is small, light and fast, with multiple connectivity options and a wide range of functionalities.

“These computers can handle winter weather and our tough work environment,’ says Staffan Eklund, head coach and manager for the team. ‘With the help of Handheld’s computers, we can coach our biathletes in their tracks, gain valuable extra seconds and gain ground on our competitors.”