News: Costa Express Sponsors RCS

Costa Express has today announced it will be a sponsor of Rapha Condor Sharp during the forthcoming Tour of Britain taking place from 9th to 16th September 2012.

The sponsorship is the first by Costa in the UK and for the Whitbread owned brand it rekindles a relationship with Condor that first appeared in 1960s with the successful Condor Mackeson team. It is the second time Rapha Condor have introduced a large multinational to cycle sport. The first being electronic brand Sharp, who after successes with Rapha Condor have chosen to delve deeper into sport announcing pro-tour team sponsorship earlier this year with team Garmin Sharp.

Rapha Condor Sharp as the team have embarked on a new adventure, and switched its focus to developing young talent and actively supporting the growing UK racing scene. The success of the new development focus was highlighted at the Great Britain National Road Race Championships when new recruit Mike Cuming performed exceptionally to win the Under 23 title. The team also includes Olympic champion Ed Clancy who won a gold and bronze medal at London 2012.

The sponsorship will see the Costa Express logo appearing on the team clothing and on their bikes during the Tour of Britain and will help further the young rider development programme initiated by Rapha Condor Sharp at the beginning of the year.

Rapha Chief Executive Simon Mottram commented: “The team remains committed to continuing to nurture UK racing talent by offering them top flight racing, expert management and coaching and the best bikes, kit and equipment on the UK racing scene.”

“Costa Express is a great UK brand and we are delighted they are on board with the team for the Tour of Britain.”

Caroline Harris, Marketing Director of Costa Enterprises said: “Cyclists love their coffee so it’s a natural fit for Costa Express as we grow around the UK and are providing more and more consumers with the chance to grab a great coffee on the go. We are very excited about the relationship, particularly at a time when we can be involved in ensuring the future of the sport.”

Grant Young, owner of Condor said: “It’s amazing that my father, Monty, who founded Condor in 1948, had a relationship with Whitbread via Mackeson in the sixties and now, over 50 years later, we are teaming up with one of their most exciting new businesses, Costa Express.”