Marianne Vos' new women's team has "signed a title sponsor to a five-year deal." Dutch company WM3 Energie has "committed to supporting the team, established as Fortitude Pro Cycling." The team was initially announced in September "after the long-term sponsor Rabobank withdrew from the sport following this season." At the time of the announcement, Fortitude Manager Eric van den Boom, who had previously run the Rabo Liv team, "invited new sponsors to the project" (CYCLING NEWS, 11/4).
Manny Pacquiao signed a new deal with China-based sportswear company Anta, "making him the latest global ambassador of the popular sports product." The 37-year-old Pacquiao has been a "well-known endorser of Nike for years until the American shoes and apparel giant cut ties in the aftermath of the boxer’s controversial remark on same-sex marriage" (SPIN, 11/4).
French sailor Charles Caudrelier will "again lead a Chinese-backed campaign in the Volvo Ocean Race starting next year after Dongfeng Motor Group confirmed on Monday its return as a full team sponsor." Caudrelier, 42, "skippered the Dongfeng team to third place overall in the last edition of the round-the-world race" in '14-15 (REUTERS, 11/7).
ZOOM, the annual auction of photographs taken by Formula 1 drivers, announced Starlight Children's Foundation as the official charity partner of the 2017 ZOOM event, which will take place on Feb. 3. Starlight is a national charity that provides entertainment in hospitals and hospices across the U.K. and grants wishes for seriously and terminally ill children. The '17 lineup will be auctioned by Coys in the ballroom of the InterContinental London Park Lane (Zoom).
Topps Company Inc. raised its Topps Now program to a new level with the announcement of the Premier League Topps Now. The Premier League Topps Now program will be joining the already well-known MLB and MLS series, and will highlight the top moments and milestones that occur during the matches each week. For the first time, Topps Now cards will be available through the American Topps website at Topps.com and the int'l ToppsDirect.com website (Topps).
Red Bull Racing has agreed to a new technology partnership with SimpliVity. The U.S. company's IT infrastructure will help the F1 team to become more efficient on and off the racetrack. Red Bull Racing has been an investor in SimpliVity since '15 (Red Bull Racing).
