Union Cycliste International Strikes Five-Year Deal With Vittoria

Vittoria has announced a five-year partnership with the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) starting in 2021.

Vittoria will support the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships and the Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike World Cup as an Official Partner as well as the activities of the UCI World Cycling Centre and the UCI Solidarity programme until 2025.

The partnership with the UCI is another important step for the establishment of Vittoria’s brand and products on the MTB scene. Vittoria is the chosen tire partner of Team Absolute Absalon-BMC and Santa Cruz FSA MTB Pro Team. Last September in Leogang (Austria), Frenchman Jordan Sarrou was crowned mountain bike cross-country Olympic UCI World Champion after racing on Vittoria Barzo tires. Vittoria XC tires are the only ones using 4 different graphene-enhanced compounds in the tread.

The partnership between Vittoria and the UCI also involves a common commitment towards sustainability and climate change. Both partners are integrating sustainability into all internal policies and decision-making processes. Promoting greater environmental responsibility through cycling is the mission both organizations are committed to. Vittoria will soon have a Cycling Innovation Centre at its HQs in Italy only dedicated to product innovation, whose aim will also be to research on how to make bicycle tires production and disposal more sustainable.

Vittoria will collaborate with the UCI to develop and sustain cycling in the world by supporting local cycling associations and programs dedicated to young cyclists in developing countries as part of the UCI Solidarity Programme.

UCI President David Lappartient stated: “I am very pleased about the arrival of Vittoria among our Official Partners for mountain bike, one of our five Olympic disciplines. I also look forward to the support it will bring to the activities of the UCI World Cycling Centre, our training and education centre serving our solidarity programmes. Vittoria is one of cycling’s major historical brands and proposes high-quality products that have been appreciated by amateurs and professionals for decades. Its commitment alongside us for several years bears witness to the strong appeal of our events and at the same time will help us fulfill our mission of developing cycling throughout the world.”

President and CEO of Vittoria Stijn Vriends stated: “Being the Official Partner of the UCI’s mountain bike activities and supporting the UCI World Cycling Centre and the UCI Solidarity programme in the next years represent major milestones for us. This is a great opportunity, not only to speed up our process to become a reference brand in the sport of mountain bike and its industry, but also to unite our efforts and convey the values of solidarity, sustainability and equality that UCI has in its agenda for the next years. I’m sure our fans and customers will be as delighted as we are.”

Harlequins Partners Antiviral Nasal Spray Brand Viraleze

Harlequins has partnered with VIRALEZE, an antiviral nasal spray.

Taking the next step in securing the safety of the Club’s staff and players, Harlequins has partnered with VIRALEZE, an antiviral nasal spray which claims to combat multiple strains of the virus that causes COVID-19.

Harlequins is the first Rugby Club in the UK to partner with VIRALEZE™, which can be used in conjunction with other safety measures, helping to protect the Club’s players and coaching staff.  

VIRALEZE also works against a broad spectrum of other respiratory viruses including common cold viruses, influenza, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus).

Developed by leading biopharmaceutical company Starpharma, VIRALEZE™ is the only nasal spray containing a specifically designed antiviral active that has been shown in laboratory studies to irreversibly inactivate more than 99.9% of SARS-CoV-2 within one minute.

Harlequins’ Head of Medical Services, Mike Lancaster, said the Quins were delighted to add VIRALEZE to the range of safety measures already in place to protect players from COVID-19.

“Player health is paramount in professional sport and now more than ever, we look to maximise the level of protection we can offer our players. The VIRALEZE partnership is an important additional level of protection for our Men’s and Women’s players against viruses such as flu and coronavirus/SARS-CoV-2.”

Starpharma’s CEO, Dr Jackie Fairley, said: “We are delighted to partner VIRALEZE with Harlequins, an iconic club with such a long and proud history.

“VIRALEZE is an ideal product for a team like the Quins, especially when the Club is playing away requiring team travel, as well as the close contact that is unavoidable in playing and training.

“We hope VIRALEZE brings the Club and its supporters’ greater confidence and peace of mind as they embark on the final matches of this season.”

Looking At The Implications Of The IPL’s Postponement And The Decision

For this week’s Meet The Team piece, iSportConnect’s Global Market Intelligence and Partner Content Lead Taruka Srivastava, looking at the implications of the IPL’s postponement with some guest voices.

Lot of questions were being hurled at the Indian Premier League (IPL) continuing despite India facing its worst COVID-19 crises with record number of cases and deaths.

What was more surprising was the deafening silence of Indian cricketers (except Ravichandran Ashwin, who was the first to opt out of the competition) on the subject, whereas cricketers like Shoaib Akhtar (from Pakistan) and Pat Cummins (from Australia) showed solidarity.

The season, which was being hosted in six cities, started on April 9 and would have ended on May 30 until it was suspended indefinitely after mounting pressure from the rest of the country and players testing positive.

Vijay Lokapally, Senior Journalist and author of ‘The Hitman: The Rohit Sharma Story’ said: “I think it was the right move but too late. The indications of the pandemic assuming monstrous proportions in the second wave were emphatic and the BCCI took a chance by looking to continue even when there was widespread misery. The insensitive response of the broadcaster and the cricket fraternity to the happenings around the country did not endear them to the general citizens.

“The fear of a backlash once players started getting infected due to breach of bio-bubble left the BCCI with little choice but to postpone the IPL. The commercial implications would be miniscule damage to its coffers compared to the irreparable damage inflicted on the people by the pandemic. I was extremely disappointed by the sickening silence of the cricketers on issues related to public safety and health. They lost the opportunity to become real life heroes during these distressing times faced by the mankind.”

While, Ashish Bhasin, CEO APAC and Chairman India, Dentsu said: “Given the prevailing pandemic situation, I think it was the right decision to postpone the IPL for now. The health and safety of all the players and everyone involved I think is paramount and keeping in mind the situation in the country and the prevailing mood in the nation, in my view it is the right decision.

“IPL is the single largest property on television in India and something that appeals to a wide target audience, across the geographies. It has unparalleled reach and has always proven to be an excellent vehicle for brands and I think that will continue to be so and that will not change.

“Given the fact that several parts of the country are going into lockdown, there are emergency measures been taken in different cities and towns to curb the pandemic, the severe shortages and difficulties being experienced, lives being lost to the pandemic, I think it is more appropriate to focus on that then on commercial issues for now. I’m sure the commercial issues will get discussed and resolved in an appropriate manner.”

If for some reason, the remainder of the IPL 2021 cannot be held, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has indicated that the overall loss will amount to somewhere around ₹2500 crore (USD 340 million approximately).

BCCI and franchises work on a 50:50 revenue sharing formula and the hit will be shared equally by them. Broadcaster Star India is committed to paying BCCI inr 54.4 cr per match for a 60 game season and if this season gets shelved, Star will not pay for the remaining 31 matches (a total sum of Rs. 1,700 crore). Official partners such as Tata, Dream11, Unacademy, Cred, Upstox, PayTM AND Ceat collectively pay Rs, 280-300 crore for a full season. They won’t be paying around Rs. 144 crore to Rs. 155 crore if games don’t take place. Meanwhile, title sponsor Vivo pay Rs. 7.3 crore per game on a pro rata basis and now won’t have to pay about Rs.225 crore

Mahesh Ranka, Founder and CEO GameChangerZ said: “The loss predicted is provided if IPL doesn’t happen at all. If it does happen later this year, the remaining 31 games then I don’t think there is any financial implication to IPL per se because of what has been taken in terms of numbers and deliveries. With VIVO, in the past, it was different because of the sentiment and heightened cross border activity. If IPL does get cancelled, that’s when we will be seeing the loss for BCCI. Losses will be manifold for someone like Star and sponsors who would have planned their business around the IPL.”

Meanwhile, BCCI is in talks with England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) suggesting the likes of Lord’s, The Kia Oval, Emirates Old Trafford and Edgbaston as possible venues for the 31 remaining fixtures of IPL.

Mahesh Ranka added: “There is already talk of the ICC World T20 now being moved to Dubai from India. I think South Africa is another option. As England has already offered to host in September, I think it will be a great time to play then because it will be a better time and new audience. I believe IPL will happen for sure and that too within this calendar year.”

Nordic Entertainment Group And Matchroom Sport Renew Media Rights For Nine Countries

Nordic Entertainment Group (NENT Group), the Nordic region’s leading streaming company, and Matchroom Sport have renewed their media rights partnership in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland while extending it to Iceland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland for the first time.

The five-year agreement secures more than 700 hours of world-class live streamed sports action from Matchroom Sport’s extensive portfolio every year for NENT Group’s Viaplay streaming service, and represents NENT Group’s latest long-term, multi-territory deal with a key sports rights holder.

The agreement makes Viaplay the exclusive home of top darts tournaments such as the World Darts Championship, Premier League Darts, World Cup of Darts, World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, European Championship, Grand Slam of Darts and the Players Championship, in addition to the prestigious World Series of Darts Finals to be held this year in Amsterdam.

Cue sports fans can also stream snooker’s Champion of Champions and Championship League events on Viaplay, along with the World Pool Masters, World Pool Championship, World Cup of Pool, US Open 9-Ball Championships and the Mosconi Cup. The agreement includes a comprehensive range of further content including table tennis, ten-pin bowling, basketball and netball.

Peter Nørrelund, NENT Group Chief Sports Officer: “Our vision is to be the European streaming champion, which means Viaplay should offer something for everyone. We co-operate closely with Matchroom in the Nordic region and will now bring live coverage of some of Europe’s fastest growing sports to our newest markets. We work continuously with rights holders to develop sports properties together, so this agreement is great news for these sports and their fans across Viaplay’s rapidly expanding footprint.”

Barry Hearn, President of Matchroom: “We’re delighted to expand our existing partnership with NENT Group over the next few years offering sports fans fantastic access to some of the biggest moments in sport on Viaplay. NENT Group have been huge supporters of our sports over the years and we hope this continues to grow.”

In the Nordic region, NENT Group holds rights to Bundesliga to 2029; Premier League (SE/NO/DK/FI), national football team qualifiers (SE/IS) and IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship to 2028; FIS winter sports (SE/NO/DK/FI) and NHL to 2026; and UEFA Champions League (DK/IS), UEFA Europa League (SE/NO/FI/IS) and Formula 1 to 2024.

ROKiT Venturi Racing Onboards Lifestyle Brand Ecoalf As Partner

ROKiT Venturi Racing has announced a multi-year partnership with sustainable lifestyle brand, Ecoalf.

By collaborating with the world’s only Monegasque racing team, Ecoalf will become ROKiT Venturi Racing’s Official Lifestyle Partner from Formula E’s eighth season and beyond.

Ecoalf and ROKiT Venturi Racing share a combined mission that extends beyond success, holding a joint commitment to create a lifestyle that balances the needs of the consumer with those of the planet.

Susie Wolff, ROKiT Venturi Racing Team Principal said: “The fashion industry is accountable for a staggering 10% of all global pollution, and in a time where attitudes are changing, we all have a social responsibility to embrace sustainable practices so we can strive towards a sustainable future.

“With a firm focus on sustainable innovation, ROKiT Venturi Racing and Ecoalf share the same mission and hold a joint commitment to driving essential environmental change. By using 100% sustainable and recycled materials and as a Certified B Company, Ecoalf is pioneering change in the fashion industry and is redefining the whole supply chain process by employing sustainable practices from design to the shelf. We’re proud to welcome Ecoalf as our Official Lifestyle Partner for Season 8, their clothing perfectly demonstrates that you don’t need to compromise on style to be environmentally conscious.”

Javier Goyeneche, Ecoalf Founder & President said: “The fashion and automobile industries are perceived as having a negative impact on the Earth, but it doesn’t have to be that way. ROKiT Venturi Racing has demonstrated that electric vehicles not only fight climate change, but they are also top-performing.

“That is exactly our mission at Ecoalf, to showcase that being sustainable doesn’t signify inferior quality or performance. We can recreate these top-quality characteristics, and even surpass them, but leave a positive environmental impact. It is through collaborations like this that we can transcend our individual industries to foster a sustainable lifestyle for the future.”

England Rugby League And Energetics-Energy Collaborate For An Environmentally Sustainable Future

The Rugby Football League reaffirmed its commitment to an environmentally sustainable future via a new partnership between England Rugby League and energy sector consultancy energetics-energy. 

It’s a partnership that will also benefit supporters and clubs, through a special ‘Support the sport you love’ offer to fans and bespoke assistance for clubs to help them reduce energy usage and head to carbon neutral. The energetics-energy logo will feature on the playing shorts of the Men, Women and Wheelchair England kits in 2021.  

energetics-energy work with businesses and organisations nationwide as they strive to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions in line with government and international targets. Rugby League clubs at all levels, as well as the RFL itself, will be able to work with B2B specialists at energetics-energy to future-proof themselves against the inevitable rising costs of energy prices. 

The North East-based consultancy also has a unique offer to Rugby League’s domestic consumers – switch supply via energetics-energy and a portion of the profit will go straight back into Rugby League. 

RFL Chief Executive, Ralph Rimmer, says: “This is a partnership full of potential for the whole of Rugby League, and we’re delighted to have energetics-energy on board with us as a trusted partner and an ethical business.  

“Through England Rugby League we are setting ourselves the highest standards on the pitch and across the RFL we are setting ourselves the same high standards off it. Environmental sustainability is increasingly at the heart of our decision-making and the actions we take. energetics-energy will help us on our journey as we seek to reduce the environmental impact of our activities and encourage our partners – including clubs at all levels of the game – to embed environmental sustainability within their own activities. 

“England fans too can benefit from our partnership with energetics-energy. They’ll be able to take advantage of a specially reduced rate when switching utilities with energetics-energy and be entered into exclusive offers that will be announced prior to the World Cup. Plus, a portion of the profit will go straight back into Rugby League through the ‘Support the sport you love’ initiative. It’s a win-win for Rugby League.” 

energetics-energy Partnerships Director, Kirstie Wallace, says: “We are absolutely thrilled to be chosen as England Rugby League’s trusted Energy Partner and it is an honour to be a part of the Rugby League World Cup 2021, sponsoring the England Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair teams with the opening game taking place in our hometown.

Our partnership will benefit everyone within the England Rugby League community; sponsors, partners, clubs, fans and the environment as we focus on facilitating energy efficiency and helping everyone to reduce their energy consumption and go green. We have committed to investing back into the sport at all levels, from grass roots up and to be a transparent and ethical partner.”

energetics-energy Director of Energy Services, Gillian Smith, says: “England Rugby League’s sustainability agenda fits perfectly with our objective to help businesses and organisations on their Net Zero journey and embed carbon reduction strategies to protect the environment and drive down their energy costs. 

Most businesses are aware of the need to head to carbon neutral, but they don’t know where or how to start the process. energetics-energy is here to help, guide and support everyone to achieve maximum energy efficiency.”

Ed Sheeran Is The New Shirt Sponsor For Ipswich Town FC

Ed Sheeran is the new shirt sponsor of Ipswich Town FC men’s and women’s first teams.

“The Club is a big part of the community and this is my way of showing my support,” says music icon

The music icon, who ended his Divide tour in his hometown in front of 160,000 people over four nights at Chantry Park  in August 2019, has agreed an initial one-year deal with Blues.

“The Football Club is a big part of the local community and this is my way of showing my support,” said Ed.

“I have always enjoyed my trips to Portman Road and I’m looking forward to going back there as soon as supporters are allowed into stadiums again.

“With the new owners from the US coming in, there are sure to be exciting times ahead for Ipswich fans, including myself. Hopefully we can stop being sloightly on the huh!”

But what does that logo on the front of the shirt mean? “All will be revealed in time,” added Ed.

Town’s director of sales, Rosie Richardson, said: “We are obviously thrilled that Ed has agreed to become our shirt sponsor next season.

“I have worked with Ed and his management team on various initiatives over the years and welcomed Ed and his guests to Portman Road for many games. He has shown his support for his hometown in lots of ways and this is another example of that.

“We look forward to seeing Ed – and every other supporter – back at Portman Road next season.”

Baroness Valerie Amos Joins ECB As Independent Non-Executive Director

Baroness Valerie Amos is to join the ECB Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director.

Vastly experienced in public service, education and charitable roles, Baroness Amos has served as a Cabinet Minister and High Commissioner to Australia, has led two major university institutions, and spent five years as Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs at the United Nations. She is a member of the House of Lords, and its former leader.

Born in Guyana, she is a passionate and lifelong cricket fan and has committed her career to addressing issues of equality and social injustice. She currently sits on the Board of a number of foundations alongside her position as Master of University College Oxford.

Ian Watmore, ECB Chair, said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to appoint to the Board someone with the exceptional experience and wealth of knowledge and expertise that Baroness Amos brings with her.

“She is a true cricket fan who really understands the power of sport for good. She also brings with her important insights and challenge on leadership and inclusion which will help us as we work to ensure cricket is a game for everyone.”

Baroness Amos said: “Cricket has been part of my life since I was a child. It’s something we always enjoyed and shared as a family, so I am really looking forward to being able to contribute to the sport by joining the Board.

“This is a crucial time for sport around the world given the impacts of the pandemic, and I believe cricket has a vital role to play because of its ability to bring people together. It’s fun but it’s also about team work and a sense of community. By realising the vision of making cricket a game for everyone we can ensure that more people enjoy the benefits of it.”

Formula E And FIA Extends Collaboration For Girls On Track Programme

Formula E and the FIA have announced a six year extension to their collaboration of the FIA Girls on Track programme, with ABB, Formula E’s title partner, joining the initiative as its first global partner.

FIA Girls on Track was launched by the FIA Women in Motorsport commission in 2018 to raise awareness and increase the number of women in motorsport by unlocking opportunities and giving many their first experience in the industry.

The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship has been hosting the grassroots programme since its inception, inviting young women aged between 8 and 18 years-old to discover, for free, different aspects of the motorsport industry through activities and workshops promoting inclusivity in an innovative, engaging and positive manner.

ABB now joins FIA Girls on Track as the first global partner. This new collaboration aims to increase outreach in key markets and grow the programme across new territories, benefitting countless young women and providing them access to new learning materials and opportunites.

FIA Girls on Track will feature at four events during each ABB FIA Formula E World Championship season and stage ancillerary events to promote the role of women in motorsport by educating and inspiring the next generation.


CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF FORMULA E, JAMIE REIGLE said: “We are delighted to extend our relationship with the FIA Girls on Track programme, a core pillar of our commitment to provide young women with opportunities across motorsport. ABB works closely with the team at Formula E on many of our strategic projects, so it’s a natural fit for them to become the first global partner of our FIA Girls on Track initiative. After a successful start to the programme, we’re looking forward to extending its reach and impact in collaboration with both ABB and the FIA.”
PRESIDENT OF THE FIA WOMEN IN MOTORSPORT COMMISSION
MICHÈLE MOUTON
“Our FIA Girls on Track events have already opened thousands of young eyes to the many and varied career opportunities in motor sport, and to further develop this programme with Formula E and ABB as a global partner is another great step towards driving diversity and inclusion. If we are to increase female participation it is so important to enthuse and inspire at a young age. This extended partnership between the FIA, the Women in Motorsport Commission and Formula E can only help increase awareness that the sport provides equal opportunities to everyone, and the enjoyable but educational Girls on Track activities will hopefully encourage young girls to choose third level studies oriented towards our industry.”
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF ABB
BJÖRN ROSENGREN
“The FIA Girls on Track-ABB Formula E project is the ideal opportunity for us to further our involvement in the sport and continue to use it as a way to help inspire and empower the next generation of women. It is another example of how we at ABB are working with the communities of which we are a part, to provide impactful support across three pillars: education, diversity and inclusion, as well as care for communities.”

Genius Sports Acquires Data Tracking Provider Second Spectrum

Genius Sports , the official data, technology and commercial partner that powers the ecosystem connecting sports, betting and media has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Second Spectrum, a leading provider of cutting-edge data tracking and visualization solutions.

This acquisition combines two of the world’s most innovative sports data and technology companies to create a complete end-to-end offering for the sports, betting and media ecosystem.

Second Spectrum was founded in 2013 and has become a world-leading and fully integrated sports AI provider, offering tracking, analytics and data visualization services. Second Spectrum’s innovative technology allows clients to automatically index action on the court, pitch or field within seconds. With the world’s most advanced player tracking technology, teams, leagues, media and data partners are able to gain real-time insights; driving decision making and greater levels of engagement.

The aggregate purchase price for the acquisition is $200 million, subject to customary adjustments. The purchase price will be paid at closing in cash and shares of Genius Sports common stock. Consummation of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and expected to take place in the second quarter of 2021. The business is expected to be EBITDA positive post-integration and additional details and quantification on synergies will be provided in Genius Sports’ upcoming Q1 earnings call.

With Second Spectrum’s unique capabilities, Genius Sports will offer new levels of rich data-driven insights to its partners around the world, benefiting leagues, federations, teams, fans, coaches, sportsbooks, broadcasters and sponsors. The acquisition is expected to accelerate Genius Sports’ convergence of sports, betting and media to power the fan experience of the future, combining Genius Sports’ streaming capabilities with Second Spectrum’s interactive broadcast solutions which integrate advanced data with augmented video content.

The combined offering of Genius Sports’ existing products, extensive network, and operational scale with Second Spectrum’s highly innovative tracking and video augmentation products will create richer, more valuable official sports data and drive fan engagement with a compelling experience that combines real-time data, and analytics with innovative augmented video streaming and personalized content.

Second Spectrum will also bring a highly complementary client base, building on Genius Sports’ official data partnerships with over 400 sports organizations, including the NFL, MLB, EPL and NCAA. Second Spectrum is the official tracking provider of the EPL, NBA, and MLS, using advanced AI capabilities and computer vision technology to capture precise ball and player location-based data. In addition to these relationships, Second Spectrum has partnerships with ESPN, BT Sport, and Bally Sports to offer augmented reality features for select soccer and basketball games. The business has also formed partnerships with leading sports franchises, including The Los Angeles Clippers, to provide new content and revolutionize the fan viewing experience.

“Genius is committed to capturing and distributing the fastest, most accurate and secure official sports data. This acquisition supports our long-term strategic vision of utilizing AI tracking, enhanced data insights and transformative technology to revolutionize the sports data landscape for the fans, our customers and sports and media partners,” said Genius Sports CEO Mark Locke. “Adding additional fan engagement technology to our already diverse and cutting-edge portfolio of products and services will create compelling, unique content, that will transform user experiences and create additional revenue streams for our customers. We are delighted to welcome Rajiv and his team to the Genius Sports family.”

“We are thrilled to join the Genius Sports family,” said Second Spectrum CEO Rajiv Maheswaran. “Mark and his incredible team have built the fastest growing sports data platform on the planet by better serving sports leagues, fans and their partners by leveraging technology in novel and compelling ways. Second Spectrum’s mission to be at the forefront of innovation in the sports ecosystem in combination with the scale and drive of Genius Sports will rapidly accelerate how content is created and experienced and bring significant value for our partners and clients.“