DENVER, Feb. 27, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Organizers of the 2019 Colorado Classic (August 22-25) announced today that VF Corporation will be the first title sponsor in the race's history. The exclusive title sponsorship by VF is a two-year commitment that provides financial and marketing support for the stand-alone women's pro cycling race.
Founded in 1899, VF Corporation is one of the world's largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies with socially and environmentally responsible operations in more than 150 countries. The company outfits consumers around the world with its diverse portfolio of iconic lifestyle brands, including Vans®, The North Face®, Timberland®, Dickies® and Smartwool®.
"There is a natural connection between our cycling event and VF's outdoor and activity-based brands and the company's purpose of enabling sustainable and active lifestyles for the betterment of people and our planet," said Lucy Diaz, Chief Operating Officer for RPM Events Group, the organizer of the Colorado Classic. "We are proud to partner with VF and its portfolio of brands; we know they will activate this sponsorship in ways that bring their purpose-led commitment to life. We are very excited about teaming with this soon-to-be Colorado-based company for our 2019 event."
Six months ago, in a major coup for Colorado and its burgeoning outdoor recreation industry, VF announced that it was moving its global headquarters to Lower Downtown in Denver later this year. The Denver office will be home to certain VF leadership and its The North Face®, JanSport®, Eagle Creek®, Smartwool® and Altra® brands. The Fortune 250 company expects to bring 800 jobs to Denver over the next eight years.
"VF isn't just moving to Colorado, we want to be part of Colorado," said Craig Hodges, VF's Vice President of Corporate Affairs. "The Colorado Classic is a world-class event that will enable VF and our brands to begin weaving into the fabric of our new home state and its active lifestyle culture."
"By moving its home to Colorado and now sponsoring the Colorado Classic, VF Corporation is making a major contribution to our outdoor recreation economy," said Colorado Governor Jared Polis. "Their sponsorship will help make the race more sustainable, spark additional partnerships and foster access, inclusion and diversity so that everyone can enjoy the race and benefit from our state's spectacular outdoors and unbeatable quality of life."
The Colorado Classic presented by VF Corporation will draw top teams and world-class competitors including WorldTour race winners, Olympians, national champions and up-and-coming stars for the four-stage race. Riders at this year's Colorado Classic can now earn significant UCI points for their country's Olympic qualification because of the race's recent UCI 2.1 designation. In addition, this year's race will feature a National Collegiate All-Star Team that is being created in partnership with USA Cycling.
"The mission of the Colorado Classic perfectly aligns with our focus on gender equity and the empowerment of women and girls of all ages through active lifestyles and sport," said Hodges. "We're proud to help showcase and celebrate the amazing women athletes who inspire others with their actions and achievements."
Since its 2017 inaugural year, the Colorado Classic presented by VF Corporation has focused on advancing women's racing in several ways. The Colorado Classic was the first major cycling race in the USA to go without podium hostesses, opting instead for cycling legends as presenters. In its second year, the women's race expanded to four stages with routes that were similar in length and difficulty to the men's. And in its third year, the race became a stand-alone women's stage race; foregoing the men's race while providing unprecedented financial support for the women's teams, including one of the richest prize purses. Additionally, the 2019 race will also put women racing on a global TV stage with live streaming coverage each day, syndicated around the world.
To learn more about VF Corporation, visit https://www.vfc.com. To learn more about the Colorado Classic presented by VF Corporation, visit coloradoclassic.com or follow @coloradoclassicpro on Instagram and Facebook.
You can also view the Colorado Classic video here. For Colorado Classic photographs and logos, click here.
About RPM Events Group
RPM Events Group LLC is a Colorado-based company committed to re-imagining professional cycling events while providing meaningful social and economic impact. The company owns and organizes the Colorado Classic presented by VF Corporation — a world-class women's pro road race August 22-25, 2019— the only UCI 2.1 women's race in the Western Hemisphere and on the USA Cycling's Pro Road Tour.
About VF Corporation
VF Corporation outfits consumers around the world with its diverse portfolio of iconic lifestyle brands, including Vans®, The North Face®, Timberland®, Wrangler® and Lee®. Founded in 1899, VF is one of the world's largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies with socially and environmentally responsible operations spanning numerous geographies, product categories and distribution channels. VF is committed to delivering innovative products to consumers and creating long-term value for its customers and shareholders.
SOURCE Colorado Classic
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