News: Brother UK Sponsors Richardson

Brother UK’s financial support will allow Rebecca Richardson to continue her hill climbing season in 2020, following the conclusion of the Brother UK-FusionRT team.

News: Brother UK Sponsors Richardson

Brother UK’s financial support will allow Rebecca Richardson to continue her hill climbing season in 2020, following the conclusion of the Brother UK-FusionRT team at the end of 2019.

Richardson, a mother with her own architect’s practice, will race in HBSC National Road Series events for the new Brother UK-OnForm squad, and compete in hill climbs as a Brother UK-sponsored athlete.

Her formidable run of hill climb success yielded 18 consecutive victories in 2019, including a second Welsh national title, triumph at the hugely prestigious HMT Monsal Head event and a string of course records.

Photo: Tony Wood Photography

Phil Jones MBE, the Managing Director of Brother UK, said: “Rebecca is a significant talent and a valuable ambassador for Brother UK. Her commitment to cycling is made all the more impressive by her responsibilities outside of the sport.

“Brother UK’s financial support for its sponsored teams and athletes promotes inclusivity, wherever possible. Cycling cannot afford to lose talents like Rebecca – an entrepreneur and mother, as well as a dedicated athlete – at a time when the sport needs them most.”

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Richardson said she was happy and grateful to receive Brother UK’s financial support for the 2020 hill climb season, and excited to continue her development as a road rider with the Brother UK-Team OnForm squad.

“It’s difficult to describe my feelings for the interest and generosity that Brother UK and Phil Jones MBE have shown,” Richardson said. “This year, I incurred debt to fund my hill climb campaign. I’d considered doing wholly different things next year, if I couldn’t see an exciting progression. It’s very rewarding to know that I can continue to be an elite cyclist, thanks to Brother UK’s support.”

Next year, Richardson will receive financial support from Brother UK to invest in travel, accommodation and race entry fees. She will compete in hill climbs wearing a unique, Brother-branded skinsuit.

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A place with Simon Howes’ new Brother UK-Team OnForm development squad is a further benefit. Howes is also the manager of the dominant Brother UK-Tifosi p/b OnForm elite women’s team, which next year will compete as CAMS-Tifosi.

While Brother UK will step aside from sponsorship of the elite team in 2020 to encourage new investment in cycle sport, a pathway for riders from the OnForm development squad will remain open.

“I’d read interviews with Simon and been impressed by his progressive and professional approach to women’s cycling,” Richardson said. “To be part of a structured pathway is very exciting and highly motivating.”

In return for Brother UK’s support, Richardson pledged to continue her gruelling training regime and meticulous preparation, as well as publishing regular updates on her social media channels. Footage of her victory at the Red Bull-sponsored Harlech Hell Climb in August went viral, and she has featured in content on the Brother Spark website and Brother Cycling LinkedIn channel.

Next year, in addition to its support for Richardson and the Team OnForm squad, Brother UK will continue its sponsorship of two elite men’s teams: Crimson Performance-Orientation Marketing, and Vitus Pro Cycling Team, p/b Brother UK.