Absa Cape Epic Announces New Apparel Sponsor

Premium cycling gear company Craft joins forces with Absa Cape Epic

The Absa Cape Epic, the world’s most televised mountain bike race, announced its new apparel sponsor, Craft. Craft is known worldwide for its expertise in designing sport-specific garments for optimal function.

Says Kevin Vermaak, founder and director of the Absa Cape Epic: “Our vision is to create the world's premier mountain bike race in which every serious amateur mountain biker desires to participate, and every professional mountain biker aspires to win. Craft is known for their premium cycling gear, so is the perfect partner to our event.

“They’re a dynamic company and offer apparel of the highest quality. Craft also sponsors high-profile teams such as Leopard Trek and the Rabobank Cycling Team, as well as serious contenders in next year’s Absa Cape Epic namely the Bulls Team of Karl Platt and Stefan Sahm, the 360Life team David George and Kevin Evans, Jacques Rossouw and Brandon Stewart of Fedgroup-Itec Connect, as well as cycling legends Shan Wilson and Andrew McLean for Cyclelab Toyota.”

Dave Linder of The Bicycle Company and license and distribution partner of Craft, adds: “Craft’s expertise comes largely from a long and fruitful cooperation with elite sportsmen and women from all over the world. These athlete’s stringent demands on function and comfort drive the continued development of Craft’s design, technology and quality. Based on their feedback, Craft designs garments for all levels of participants in their chosen sport.

Linder continues: “Not only will Craft be available in South Africa for the first time, it will also supply the Absa Cape Epic with clothing for its crew, as well as branded duffle bags, hoodies, and entry and finisher t-shirts for all participants. Craft will further supply custom apparel for all the associate sponsor teams in next year’s race.

“We’re also very excited about the newly designed Absa Cape Epic brand of on- and off-the-bike clothing ranges, which will be available for the very first time from leading cycling retailers from the beginning of December this year. This will make the ideal Christmas gift for all Absa Cape Epic fanatics and those preparing for their next event.”

Other products, which will be given to all participants in next year’s Absa Cape Epic, include an Osprey backpack, a SKS Tom 18 multi-tool and a Cratoni helmet bag. These will also be distributed through The Bicycle Company, distribution partner to the Absa Cape Epic.

“It was a natural progression for Craft to become involved in this world-renowned event, as we believe the Absa Cape Epic, with its history of champions, is the perfect match for the Craft brand,” says Linder.

Kevin Vermaak, founder and director of the Absa Cape Epic concludes: “The Absa Cape Epic has shown tremendous growth since its inception in 2004, and we’re extremely proud of and excited by our alliance with Craft as the leader in cycling sports apparel worldwide. For the first time in its history, the event will have a merchandise range available through retail outlets, such as Cyclelab. Initially, the Absa Cape Epic Craft merchandise, including replica leader jerseys, will be available at retailers in South Africa and in future, will also be included in the international Craft catalogue. Previously, we only sold merchandise through our online store and at the event.  This is an enormous step in our brand building strategy and one that we look forward to with enthusiasm.”

Click on this link for more info:
http://youtu.be/6f9a5jwMN8Y

www.capeepic.com