Tour of Wessex Seals Three New Sponsors

The organisers of the world’s largest multi-stage sportive, the Tour of Wessex have announced partnerships with two of the world’s leading cycling brands and a new British sports nutrition brand. 

The Tour of Wessex sponsored by Trek Bicycles will welcome thousands of riders from across the globe between the 24-26th May 2014, all in search of Somerset’s most famous climbs and cycling terrain. 

As part of the deal Trek’s partnership will involve Trek Project One demonstrations, a dedicated Trek & Bontrager retail outlet and rider support in the form of Trek neutral service bikes. Each evening the Race HQ will also come alive with Trek movie nights, ladies seminars and Trek Precision Fit demos. 

“The Tour of Wessex is an event that offers a unique format for riders, one that is unlike any other sportive. It’s an event that we’re delighted to be part of, as it provides an opportunity for us to contribute to a festive atmosphere that goes beyond a typical one day event” said Nigel Roberts, director of Trek UK. 

Another significant development for 2014 is the Tour’s partnership with Shimano. Not only will riders receive full Shimano mechanical support out on the course each day thanks to two neutral support vehicles carrying Trek bikes but they’ll also benefit from spare wheels and qualified bike technicians at each feed-station. The familiar Shimano:BMW neutral service motorbike will again be back for added on-road assistance. 

Kellie Parsons from Madison said: “Shimano is synonymous with the world’s leading cycling events so our partnership with the Tour of Wessex is an obvious one. Not only does the Tour give amateur cyclists an insight into the endeavours and hardships of stage racing, but with our Shimano neutral support service they can now enjoy the same back-up that professional riders expect, helping participants focus on crossing the finish line each day with a smile on their face.” 

Sports nutrition company OTE Sports have also partnered with the 2014 Tour to deliver specific products and advice that will help Tour entrants maximise their performance. 

“OTE Sports are delighted to announce their partnership with the Tour of Wessex 2014. As the official sports nutrition partner we look forward to helping all riders successfully fuel their way round each day. Correct fuelling and refuelling strategies using sports nutrition products have a vital role to play in multi stage challenges such as this so we’ll be right on hand to help riders achieve their PBs!” said co-founder Peter Slater. 

Using the Birmingham Cycle Show as a launch platform for the Trek partnership, Tour of Wessex organiser Nick Bourne tempted show visitors with even more innovations. 

“Enhancing the Tour of Wessex is always top priority so to partner with Trek UK is extremely exciting for us, helping underline just how unique the Tour of Wessex really is. We haven’t stopped there though, with 2014 seeing the introduction of our new official ‘Tour of Wessex Training Weekends’ and our ‘Tour of Wessex Training Camp Majorca’. Both concepts are designed to help riders develop fitness level and group riding skills before safely conquering the Tour of Wessex in style alongside thousands of others.”