GreenEdge announces explosives and chemicals firm Orica as co-sponsor

Australian WorldTour outfit GreenEdge has announced that it will change its name to Orica-GreenEdge after recruiting the explosives, chemical and mining services company as co-sponsor. The change of name will take effect from the Giro d’Italia, which starts on Saturday, with Orica’s name appearing prominently on team kit, although “a whole new visual identity” for the team will be revealed ahead of the Tour de France in July.

“This is a rare and fantastic opportunity to secure the founding co-naming sponsorship with this ground-breaking sporting venture,” said Ian Smith, Managing Director and CEO of Orica, which was known as ICI Australia until it was demerged from the former British chemicals group in the late 1990s.

“Cycling is dynamic, competitive and truly appeals to a global audience,” he continued.
“We have a lot in common with the team; we’re both multi-national organisations with an Australian DNA, and we share mutual aspirations driven by a focus on innovation and team work.

“This sponsorship forms one of the strategic platforms for Orica to increase its brand presence in key global markets and we’re convinced that the world-class performances of this team will help provide ongoing global exposure.”

The team’s founder and owner, Gerry Ryan commented, “We’re extremely proud to be teaming up with Orica in our debut season and onwards. It’s the perfect partner for us and we couldn’t have found a more ambitious and forward thinking company to get onboard.

“We have had a dream start to our sporting goals, winning big races and putting GreenEdge on the map in professional cycling.
This relationship with Orica, and our existing partners, will continue to make GreenEdge grow – for the athletes, for our fantastic fans and for cycling in general. It’s a significant milestone for us.”

The sponsorship agreement will run for three years and will also apply to GreenEdgde’s women’s team.