Gary Hunt
From the beginning of 2018, Continental is to be an official partner of the Tour de France. The sponsorship agreement was officially confirmed by Christian Prudhomme, General Director Tour de France, and Nikolai Setzer, Member of the Executive Board of Continental AG responsible for Corporate Purchasing and head of the Tyre division.
“For Continental becoming an official partner is the logical next step in our commitment to the development and production of high-tech tyres for racing bikes – tyres that are also used in the Tour de France,” said Setzer at the announcement in Paris.
“Through this move we are demonstrating our great tyre manufacturing expertise in a unique environment of worldwide
significance – a cycle race that not only demands the ultimate in safety but also calls for benchmark standards in terms of rolling resistance and weight.” Last year alone, nine teams competing in the Tour de France ran on Continental tyres, including Tour winner Chris Froome.
‘An Honor To Welcome Continental’
General Director Tour de France Christian Prudhomme said it is an honor to welcome Continental to the Tour de France.
“A company of international status, with over 145 years of know-how at the top of its sector. It is a great symbol for cycling that Continental wishes to be associated with the world’s biggest bicycle race,” he said.
“The commitment of A.S.O. in terms of safety at bicycle races, combined with Continental’s research to develop ever more efficient tyres, confirms the values and logic behind this partnership. The tyre is the only point of contact between a bike and the road; it is therefore a key element in the practice of this sport.”
From 2018 onward, for an initial five-year period Continental will maintain high visibility around the world’s toughest cycle race. All official support vehicles – cars, vans and motorcycles – at the Tour de France will be equipped with Continental tyres.
Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transport. In 2016, Continental generated sales of €40.5 billion and currently employs more than 233,000 people in 56 countries.
Bicycle Tyres
More than 100 years’ experience in the development and production of bicycle tyres has made Continental a unique company within the industry. Continental is the only German bicycle tyre manufacturer to produce its tyres in Germany. As a global player, Continental also maintains high-tech production facilities outside of Germany. One thing all Continental bicycle tyres have in common is that they are developed in the technology center in Korbach, Germany, where they also undergo strict inspection. With revolutionary technologies such as the unbeatable BlackChili compound and the VectranTM breaker, the ultimate in antipuncture technology, the company is a leading influencer in the international industry.
Continental bicycle tyres are distributed in Australia by TMO Sports Pty Ltd.
