October 25/11 9:59 am - Colavita Downsizes Involvement in Professional Cycling

Posted by Editoress on 10/25/11
 

Regional Club and Development Programs Remain the Largest across the US

After a decade of sponsoring professional cycling in the US, the Italy-based olive oil company Colavita has made the difficult decision to downsize its involvement at the sport’s highest level.

The company’s sponsorship of the International Cycling Union (UCI) Colavita/Forno D’Asolo Women’s Professional Cycling Team led to outstanding performances during 2011 in domestic and international competition. This year’s team garnered 41 victories and secured the number one spot on the National Racing Calendar (NRC) best overall team standings for the second consecutive year and the top three places on the best individual rider standings.

“I thought the Colavita sport sponsorship would remain sound as we experienced the most successful season any Colavita pro team -- men or women -- has had over our 10-year span,” said John A. Profaci, Vice President of Marketing.  “Without any intention of offending those many wonderful cycling industry companies who have supported our programs for many years, I must admit the direct cause of Colavita ending its women's team title sponsorship was in fact losing key industry supplier support.”

Colavita is proud to have been part of the development of both men’s and women’s professional cycling. The adventure began in 2001 with an ambitious amateur racing program and within two years grew into one of the most prominent professional cycling teams in the US for eight consecutive seasons.

Colavita is not departing from cycling entirely and will continue to sponsor grassroots programs and support the growth and development of youth and amateur cyclists in over 20 states from coast-to-coast.

“This is very difficult for me emotionally,” Profaci said. “However, Colavita will not leave the sport and will continue to support the 14 regional amateur teams that we sponsor around the country.”

Team Colavita Cycling is the largest recreational cycling organization in the US. There is no fee involved to become a member and the team supplies the USA Cycling registration fees, discounts on team clothing, and special offers on the best in cycling equipment and accessories.

• 2011 Colavita/Forno D’Asolo team members included Leah Kirchmann and Heather Logan-Sprenger