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Vittoria will provide its Servizio Corse neutral service to the Friends Life Tour of Britain from this September, as the Italian tyre giant becomes the official tyre and wheel partner to Britain's biggest professional cycle race.
As a part of the deal, Vittoria will bring its world-renowned Servizio Corse to the UK as the official neutral service partner for the eight day, 2.HC ranked race, which runs from 6-13 September 2015. Last seen in the UK when the 2014 Giro d'Italia opened in Northern Ireland, the Servizio Corse is a crack six-person team of drivers and mechanics following the race in their distinctive white cars – this year sporting Vittoria's bold new brand symbol. Made up of professional drivers and mechanics, and the Servizio Corse team are supported by a professional touring bus attending the start for product promotion and explanation to fans. In addition, Vittoria will also be the official partner to both the Pearl Izumi Tour Series and Friends Life Women's Tour, with riders in the latter also being supported by the same Servizio Corse team as enjoyed by riders in the men's race. Riders in the Friends Life Tour Ride sportive on Sunday 4 October will also enjoy mechanical support thanks to Vittoria UK. A long-time fixture at the Giro and other major Italian races, Vittoria's Servizio Corse team have become known as the Guardian Angels of the peloton. Their role is to assist any rider in need, extending beyond a wheel change to food, drink, clothing—even encouragement. Integral to the successful running of a major stage race, Vittoria SC will be introduced as the Friends Life Tour of Britain's '21st team' (20 professional squads will compete in the race this September). Race bikes by Vitus will be provided by Chain Reaction Cycles and are finished in Vittoria's white livery to equip the Servizio Corse team. The team is well-practised—as well as supporting the Giro d'Italia, it provides neutral service to Italy's most celebrated road races such as the Strade Bianche, Tirreno–Adriatico, Milano–Sanremo, Milano–Torino, and Il Lombardia, as well as the Tour of Austria and the Dubai Tour, with a Servizio Corse also in Asia, to follow the Tour of Langkawi. Vittoria MD René Timmermans said: "We are proud to bring our technical resources to the UK to support British bike racing, which is growing fast on the world stage. The Tours of Britain are an important addition to our portfolio of top-class races." Commenting on the announcement, Race Director Mick Bennett said; "Having been recognised with 2.HC status in 2014 we are continuing to develop the Friends Life Tour of Britain and are delighted to be working with Vittoria and their world-class Servizio Corse team going forwards, in what is a very fitting partnership for the event.” Vittoria will make its UK debut at the ten round Pearl Izumi Tour Series town and city centre race Series, taking place during May and June, providing hospitality and an exhibition area, courtesy of Vittoria's UK sales manager Michael Elson. The Servizio Corse team will make their first appearance at the Friends Life Women's Tour (17–21 June) supporting the world's top female cyclists starting in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, before returning for the Friends Life Tour of Britain (6-13 September) when the world's top riders and teams race on British roads. Details of the 2015 Friends Life Tour of Britain, which takes place from Sunday 6 to Sunday 13 September, will be announced at the national launch on the evening of Tuesday 17 March. |
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The Friends Life Tour of Britain
Re-launched in 2004 after a five year absence from the calendar, the Friends Life Tour of Britain is now the UK's biggest professional cycle race and the country's largest free-to-watch sporting event. Upgraded to 2.HC level by the UCI, the sport's governing body, for 2014, the Friends Life Tour of Britain attracts the world's top cyclists, including Olympic and World Champions and Tour de France stage winners, to compete on British roads each September. Details of the 2015 Friends Life Tour of Britain route will be announced at the national launch on the evening of Tuesday 17 March. |