An Post will conclude its suite of cycling sponsorships including the An Post Rás na mBan, An Post Rás, and the An Post Chain Reaction Cycling Team as the terms of each sponsorship expires this year. The company stepped back from sponsorship of the Cycle Series at the end of 2016.
Aileen Mooney, Corporate Communications Manager An Post said: “An Post has been the leading supporter of cycling in Ireland for a decade, providing long-term, committed sponsorship to Irish Cycling at all levels. We are very proud of what has been achieved by all involved and also by our staff through their involvement and support.
“The conclusion of these sponsorships comes at a time when An Post is facing significant financial challenges. As we set about implementing a new strategy for An Post, we must focus our resources on reshaping and restructuring our business, and on new product development.
“The timing of this formal announcement is to give the teams and the event organisers the opportunity to secure new sponsors whilst still having the backing of An Post until the end of this year’s activities. An Post is very much looking forward to our involvement in this year’s events and would like to wish all those involved in Irish Cycling every continued success into the future,” she concluded.
(Photo: Lorraine O’Sullivan)
An Post first became involved in supporting Irish Cycling when the company took on title sponsorship of the Sean Kelly Development Team in 2008 and An Post’s sponsorship activities coincided with a period of significant growth for the sport.
Sean Kelly, who has been involved with the An Post Chain Reaction cycling team since 2008 said: “An Post have been a fantastic sponsor of Irish Cycling over the last 10 years having supported the sport at all levels. We have greatly enjoyed our partnership with them which has allowed us to provide a platform for the on-going development of professional riders including talented Irish cyclists such as Sam Bennett who has gone on to compete at World Tour level and twice at the Tour de France.”
(Photo: INPHO/Morgan Treacy)
An Post Rás organiser, Tony Campbell said: “We built a great partnership with An Post since they came on board in 2011 with the event growing year on year. They have worked tirelessly with us to develop the An Post Rás. This week we are welcoming 39 top teams from around the world to compete in the eight-day stage race bringing huge excitement and a significant economic boost to towns and villages along the route.”
