MEDIA RELEASE 23 September 2008
Subway® And Avanti Bikes Form Cycling Partnership
In recognition of Avanti Bikes increased commitment for a further term, the SUBWAY® Cycling Team will be re-branded the
SUBWAY ® – Avanti Cycling Team from October 2008.
SUBWAY® franchisee and cycling enthusiast Bruce Christie, who was instrumental in forming the team in 2005, said
Avanti’s support has allowed the team to develop into the most professional cycling team New Zealand has ever seen. “Our
team competes in a tough domestic calendar of events. These events test the resources of New Zealand’s best cyclists
physically, logistically and financially,” Christie said.
“With Avanti as joint naming sponsors for the ’08-’09 season our athletes will be given the opportunity to compete at
even more events, with even better support and possibly the opportunity to fly the flag for New Zealand at some overseas
events.”
Avanti Bikes New Zealand sales and marketing manager Tony Smith said shared naming rights takes the partnership to
another level. “We are pleased to be associated with a market leader like SUBWAY®. The SUBWAY ® – Avanti Cycling Team is
a talented mix of experienced cyclists with some of the country’s best under-23 riders who set the standard for
professionalism and achievement in New Zealand cycling,” Smith said.
The team is headed by current track world champion Hayden Godfrey and former junior road world champion Jeremy Yates.
Included in the current 12-rider roster are Beijing Olympic Games bronze medallist Jesse Sergent, and junior track world
championship medallists Jason Christie and Myron Simpson.
The team is owned and operated by Christchurch-based promotions company Off The Front Promotions Limited directed by
Godfrey and the team’s manager Greg Hume.
The team competes in many of the country’s leading road cycling events that include the Power Net Tour of Southland,
Trust House Cycle Classic, Around Lake Taupo and Grape Ride.
“It’s fantastic for the Subway Cycling Team to have this partnership with a respected brand such as Avanti Bikes who has
stepped up every year to produce industry leading designs and innovation for SUBWAY ® riders and the general public
alike,” Godfrey said.
ENDS