November 27/09 11:15 am - Garmin-Slipstream Lands New Title Sponsor for 2010

Posted by Editoress on 11/27/09
 

Team Garmin-Slipstream, the elite American professional cycling team dedicated to ethical sporting and developing the next generation of cycling champions, announced today that it will become Team Garmin-Transitions with the addition of Transitions Optical as a new sponsor of the team. Transitions Optical is world’s leading manufacturer of adaptive eyewear, offering the most advanced photochromic technology in the widest selection of spectacle lenses such as Transitions lenses as well as Transitions SOLFX sun wear. From the mountains of the Grand Tours to the cobbles of the Classics, Team Garmin-Transitions athletes will wear Transitions lenses as they race and train around the globe in various lighting conditions.

"The riders of this team have set the standard for ethical competition while racing and training with the best technology available," said Brett Craig, President of Transitions Optical. "As we looked to replicate the success of our PGA relationship in North America with a similar relationship in Europe; cycling, and specifically Team Garmin, was the perfect fit for our organization. We share similar goals rooted in innovation and ethics and we are proud to join this elite squad as it continues to build on past success."

"Our riders are constantly going through different lighting conditions while training and racing. If we can increase visual acuity and reduce visual fatigue, that gives us a big advantage on the road," said Jonathan Vaughters, CEO of Slipstream Sports, the sports management company that owns the team. "Like the team, Transitions is driven by innovation and a commitment to excellence. We are thrilled to work with them."

As part of the sponsorship, Transitions will launch a major European marketing campaign featuring the team. According to Lindsay Brown, General Manager of Europe, Middle East and Africa for Transitions, "In the team, we have found a true partner that can help us deliver our brand message to millions of our partners and consumers in a meaningful, impactful way. We are excited to kick off this relationship and look forward to working with the riders and staff for years to come."

Team Garmin-Slipstream has three Canadian riders on its roster:  Ryder Hesjedal, Svein Tuft and Christian Meier.