Riis Cycling has today decided to stop negotiations with Tinkoff Bank, the team’s co-title sponsor since the Tour de France in 2012, compared to enter into an extension of Tinkoff Bank sponsorship beyond 2013 season. Riis Cycling has come to the conclusion that the parties probably can not reach an agreement that will be both Riis Cycling and Tinkoff Bank’s best interests and, therefore, Riis Cycling has chosen instead to seek out other opportunities.
“During of our negotiations with Tinkoff Bank, it has become clear that we can not find common ground on the thoughts and ideas that are necessary for our partnership can continue to flourish and be successful for both parties in 2014 – most importantly, we disagree how the team will be operated., for the reasons I have chosen to look at other options and conclude negotiations with Tinkoff Bank. I would like to thank Oleg Tinkov and Tinkoff Bank for their contribution to the team. I look forward to continuing our relationship in the rest of 2013 and I would also like to take this opportunity to wish them all the luck in the future, “said team owner Bjarne Riis.
The decision means that Riis Cycling immediately steps up his search for new sponsors to replace Tinkoff Bank at the end of 2013. Saxo Bank, one of the leading specialists in online trading and investment and a vital partner for the cycling team since 2008, has pledged to continue its sponsorship in 2014, helping to secure the team’s future. “We already have a strong portfolio of partners on board, and our main partner Saxo Bank told us that they are ready to continue their sponsorship of the team in 2014 and they are willing to help us find a solution that will benefit all parties. So I feel convinced that we are able to patterns of a strong and competitive team in years to come, “says Bjarne Riis.
