On the occasion of the 100th Giro d’Italia, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) is pleased to announce the renewal of its partnership agreement for a period of three years (2017-2019) with Mapei, a world leader in the production of adhesives and chemical products for building.
The extension of this partnership strengthens the ties between the International Federation and Italian Group, which began in 2008 at the UCI Road World Championships in Varese (Italy). Mapei will be the UCI's Main Sponsor for the next three editions of the UCI Road World Championships, in 2017 (Bergen, Norway), 2018 (Innsbruck, Austria) and 2019 (Yorkshire, Great Britain).
Mapei and cycling share a long history; the Italian manufacturer sponsored a top-tier UCI road team of the same name from 1993 to 2002, which won five Paris-Roubaix with riders including Andrea Tafi and Franco Ballerini. Mapei was also a partner of several road, mountain bike and cyclo-cross UCI World Championships. Furthermore, Mapei also supported the UCI World Cycling Centre when it opened in 2002, through its Mapei Sport Research Centre.
President of the UCI, Brian Cookson said: "I warmly welcome this agreement with one of our sport's historic partners, who have been supporters of Italian and worldwide cycling for decades. Mapei brings us its world-renowned expertise in the construction of major sports facilities, and played a significant part in the launching of our elite coaching and training centre." Mapei President, Giorgio Squinzi said: "Mapei is pleased to continue its fruitful collaboration with the UCI and to continue its commitment to sport and cycling, borne out of shared values: effort, collaboration, and the determination to face up to new challenges."