Team Colombia has declared itself ready to tackle its second season, as 2013 begins, with a number of new partners adorning its new jersey. The predominantly black colourscheme will remain, with the Colombian flag proudly emblazoned across it, but several new names have been added.
The most significant of these is arguably that of Marca País, as the team takes on its role of promotional tool for the nation of Colombia.
“Marca País is the communication and marketing agency created by the Presidency of Republic to improve Colombia’s worldwide promotion and institutional profile,” the team’s general manager Claudio Corti explained. “We proudly display their logo on our jersey to emphasise the importance of this project for Colombia as a whole, not only in a sports-limited perspective.
“The whole Colombian government and the Presidency of Republic showed us a huge consideration for all the Team has managed to do in its first year of activity, and we are very proud to show Marca País, Coldeportes [which was listed as the team’s second sponsor in 2012 - ed] and Presidency of the Colombian Republic’s logos on our beautiful 2013 kit.”
Despite the team’s very similar racing strip, the team’s equipment will be very different in 2013, with its deal with iconic bike maker Bianchi ending, to be replaced by one with longterm Lampre supplier Wilier-Triestina; with this will come a new raft of component suppliers.
“We are very confident that both Wilier and Selle Italia will play a big role in our pursuit to success in 2013, and we are looking forward to test the new materials in the race context,” said Corti. “We found a great understanding with both the companies, so I am sure those deals will prove very rewarding for all the parties involved. Northwave, Vittoria and Ritchey are also joining our pool of partners for 2013.”
With the influx of new suppliers, Team Colombia will say goodbye to many of those from its very first year, but Corti is keen to emphasise that all sides are parting on good terms.
“Nevertheless, we really want say ‘thank you’ to Bianchi, Fizik, Sidi and Hutchinson for the great job they made for us during our first season, wishing them all the best for the future,” he added.
Team Colombia’s all Colombian roster will get its 2013 season under way at the GP Costa degli Etruschi on February 2nd. Corti has made a first appearance in one of the three Grand Tours a big target for the coming year.