Peloton Cafe || Specialized Women’s Racing
Specialized Women’s Racing has been rebranded with principal sponsor Specialized Australia as the official equipment, apparel and naming rights sponsor of the team formerly known as Specialized Securitor.
CartGIS and VTWO have come on board as major sponsors, plus Peta Stewart CPC and returning sponsor adidas Sport Eyewear.
As the longest standing women’s team in the NRS, 2016 marks season 5 for Specialized Australia @Specialized_AU who has been the team’s major sponsor since day 1.
When Managing Director, Sam Monardo decided to get behind the team in 2011, he knew team manager Liz Phillipou would be able to build a great program to support women’s cycling in Australia and wanted Specialized to be part of that.
“Women’s cycling is extremely important to all of us here at Specialized, from racing through to the entry level rider. Supporting Specialized Women’s Racing allows us to showcase our best performance product for women and help the team to achieve their goals. We’re looking forward to working even more closely with Liz and the girls in 2016” said Sam Monardo of the partnership.
5 years later and the partnership has grown into more of a friendship than a business deal.
“When I started the team back in 2011, I could barely scrape together 5 riders to put in the sponsorship proposal. We have certainly come a long way since then, with 8 riders, 3 staff and an increasing amount of interest in the team from riders, supporters and media. It’s an honour to have the backing of Sam and his crew at Specialized, they are equally as passionate about women’s cycling as we are” said team manager Liz Phillipou.
CartGIS @cartgis_au is a leading consultancy services business in the Radio Communications, Emergency Management, Fire Evacuation & Cartography Industries.
“We are excited to partner with Specialized Women’s Racing as they embody very similar principles as we do as a consultancy and service delivery firm; Communication, Integrity and Trust.”
“We look forward to seeing the team progress throughout 2016 and regularly feature on the podium” said Managing Director Chris Stevens.
VTWO @VTWOmelb are an advertising and marketing consultancy firm with a strong focus on social media. They produce strategies, campaigns and micro content for brands that want business results in the digital space.
“VTWO have had an interest in cycling for a number of years and we thought 2016 was right to begin investing in the sport. The talent within women’s cycling here in Australia is fantastic, and we’re excited to help that continue through our support of Specialized Women’s Racing.” said VTWO General Manager Dan Wilkins.
Peta Stewart CPC @PetaS is Albury’s first qualified and longest serving Certified Practising Conveyancer and takes pride in providing professional and specialist conveyancing services throughout NSW. Peta is also an avid women’s cycling advocate and has chosen to support Specialized Women’s Racing as she is passionate about providing exposure and development to our nation’s professional female cyclists.
adidas Sport Eyewear @adidaseyewear continue to support the team with quality high performance eyewear for a 3rd year running.
Over the past 3 years the team has raced under the banner of Specialized Securitor. “We are incredibly privileged and grateful for the support we have had from Securitor over the past 3 years” said Phillipou.
Over this time the team has had many great achievements on the bike including victories in the 2013 National Criterium, 2013 Oceania Road Race, 2014 TDU Women’s Cup, 2014 Noosa Criterium and 2015 Jayco Adelaide Tour to name a few.
Off the bike fond memories and friendships were formed with team members taking part in numerous Securitor events including the 2014 Securitor Convention Ride from Launceston to Hobart. Particular thanks go to Matt Englund and Jane Wilmot who were instrumental in keeping the partnership up and running and who shared a common vision for women in the workplace and in the sporting arena.
Many thanks also go to John Sunde and Capo Apparel Australia who supported the team with quality custom apparel over the past 3 years.
Tour of Bright 4-6 December will be the team’s first outing under the new name.
2016 Specialized Women’s Racing roster: Verita Stewart, Sophie Mackay, Jasmine McMillan, Anna-Leeza Hull, Jenelle Crooks, Elizabeth Doueal, Michaela Parsons and Kate Perry
