The International Cycling Union (UCI) has signed a title sponsorship contract with the Belgian company Cortina Group for the Cyclo-cross World Cup.

Cortina Group, which owns the brands Patrick (sports and lifestyle shoes) and Safety Jogger (outdoor shoes and safety clothing) reinforces its commitment to the cyclo-cross discipline by becoming title sponsor for the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 UCI Cyclo-cross World Cups. The series will be known as the UCI Patrick Cyclo-cross World Cup.

The UCI’s partnership with Cortina Group dates back to the 2007-2008 season, when Safety Jogger became presenting sponsor for the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup.

The President of the UCI, Mr Pat McQuaid, welcomes this enhanced collaboration: “The popularity of cyclo-cross is growing constantly, and Cortina’s commitment to the discipline is proof of that. The collaboration with our Belgian partners will reinforce this trend as it will lend significant support to the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup, the discipline’s leading series.”

His enthusiasm is echoed by Cortina NV Marketing Director, Kim Braeckman: “Patrick Safety Jogger is happy to announce its continued collaboration with UCI cyclo-cross. The UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup gives us a fruitful platform to communicate with our customers who use our line in safety shoes and safety wear. The Cyclo-cross discipline embraces the same dynamism and quality as we put into our footwear and textiles.”

The 2010-2011 UCI Patrick Cyclo-cross World Cup will include eight legs in six countries (Belgium, Spain, France, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the Czech Republic), opening with the round in Aigle, Switzerland, on October 17th.

UCI Communication Services

For further information :
Union Cycliste Internationale, Département Commercial, Mrs Nicole Gruber
Tel. +41 24 468 58 28

Cortina Group, Marketing Department, Mrs Natalie Welleman,
Tel. +32 55 335 656