Statoil Renews Partnership with the Arctic Race of Norway
The Arctic Race of Norway is running through some of the most beautiful landscape Norway has to offer. (Photo: S. Boue - ASO/Statoil)
While the cyclists were warming up for the first stage of the 2015 Arctic Race, Statoil signed a new three-year contract as the race's main sponsor.
“Northern Norway is an important focus area for Statoil, and the Arctic Race has become an attraction in two years. We look forward to three new years as the main partner,” said Reidar Gjærum, senior vice president for corporate communications at Statoil.
“Statoil was essential to making the Arctic Race of Norway a reality, and without support from Statoil we would not have had the foundation for a professional bicycle race in 2013. I am very pleased to have our main partner on board also for the next three years,” said Knut-Eirik Dybdahl, general manager for the Arctic Race of Norway.
Building a strong brand – abroad and at home - is part of Statoil’s business strategy, and running through some of the most beautiful landscape Norway has to offer, the Arctic Race of Norway contributes to this, the company explained.
Broadcast to more than 180 countries this professional bicycle race attracts great attention worldwide. Several of the biggest World Tour teams participate, and 11 of the teams in this year’s Tour de France will be on the starting line for the Arctic Race.
“Northern Norway is strategically important to Statoil. We want to help promote the region and drive industrial development and growth. The crowds turning out for the race have created a special atmosphere and setting, and we are impressed by what local enthusiasts in Harstad have managed to achieve. We look forward both to this year’s Arctic Race of Norway, and to our further partnership,” Gjærum said.
The Arctic Race represents something new within professional bicycling. The four stages passing through a spectacular, unique landscape, the race has become a great celebration for the local community, Statoil said.
The first stage this year takes place on Thursday, August 13 in the area around Harstad. The race ends in Narvik on August 16. The riders will complete a full 700 kilometers over four days.
