1/28/08 - Garmin to sponsor U.S. cycling team

The Olathe navigation company said Monday it would sponsor Slipstream Sports, likely to be racing in this summer’s Tour de France.

Slipstream riders, based in Boulder, Colo., will use Garmin’s bicycle computer, the Edge 705. Support vehicles will use Garmin’s Nuvi 770 navigators.

“Technology plays a key role in our training, traveling and communicating as a team,” said Jonathan Vaughters, Slipstream’s chief executive. “Garmin is the perfect fit for our team’s needs, and we are very excited to work with them.”

Slipstream, formed five years ago, is a primarily American team that requires its riders to undergo stringent and frequent drug tests. Each of the team’s 25 riders could be tested 700 times or more this year.

“Garmin is thrilled to be joining forces with Slipstream, a team that exemplifies sportsmanship and integrity in this new era of competitive cycling,” said Jon Cassat, Garmin’s vice president of communications.

The sponsorship could raise Garmin’s profile, especially in Europe, this summer. Christian Prudhomme, who directs the Tour de France, told VeloNews he was impressed with the team and its anti-doping message. Slipstream potentially could be the only U.S. team in the race next summer.

The cycling sponsorship is the latest in a growing list of individuals, teams or events sponsored by Garmin, ranging from NASCAR to a pro soccer team.

David Hayes, dhayes@kcstar.com