2008 Terrapin Wake-N-Bake Mountain Bike Race Team
Cycling Sponsorship Proposal
Introduction
Dear Cycling Supporter,
Within the world of competitive cycling, developmental teams and clubs have been springboards for aspiring cyclists. The Terrapin Wake-N-Bake Team has both contributed to and benefited from this launching pad during the past year as our racers yielded impressive result through the competitive season. The 2008 season will provide our team with the opportunity to continue its past successes through the cycling community, having a positive impact on the local community and being an effective return on investment for key supporters.
Funds raised in support of Terrapin Wake-N-Bake will be used primarily in support of our elite team of young racers to offset the cost of team clothing, specialized cycling equipment, and travel expenses. Support will also be given to enthusiastic young athletes who may not otherwise have the financial means to participate (equipment, travel, entry fees, etc.). Many of our young riders have been involved in local club teams and have had the opportunity to compete on a national level. The upcoming season looks promising as we take the opportunity to build upon these experiences. Terrapin Wake-N-Bake needs your support to fulfill its commitment to developing athletes.
Cycling is steadily becoming a prominent sport in the United States. The Terrapin Wake-N-Bake Cycling Team is focused on becoming a force to reckon with among the Elite ranks. We welcome you to take a few minutes to look through our sponsorship packet and sincerely appreciate your interest.
Mike Stanley
Sport Director
Terrapin Wake-N-Bake Cycling Team
Our Team
Bicycle riding has grown tremendously in the United States thanks to the recent success of seven time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong. As a result, racing has also increased in popularity. Racing has its roots in Europe but the caliber of U.S. races and racers are improving. The success of American pros depends on the quality and competitiveness of the domestic amateur ranks that produce these aspiring athletes. The amateur ranks can be just as competitive as the pro ranks. One problem in the U.S. is that there are a limited number of elite racers, which means that top amateurs mostly race against full time professionals. The jump from racing “amateur” to “pro-am” is a very difficult transition. The Terrapin Wake-N-Bake Team is a result of members from the Hub/ Terrapin cycling club wanting to start an elite team for the extra support needed to get to large events across the country. The core of this team has been riding and racing together for several years out of The Hub Bicycles in Athens, GA. The Terrapin Wake-N-Bake Team promotes interest in cycling and racing among the local and regional community as a whole. We seek to give members the opportunity to learn and compete in the life-long sport of cycling, and through cycling and the organization foster the development of leadership skills, camaraderie amongst peers, and a sense of community responsibility. Our team strives for excellence in competition while adhering to the highest standards of conduct and sportsmanship.
Why Sponsor Cycling:
With more than 70 million cyclists in the US, cycling is the number one sport of doctors and lawyers over the age of forty and the number two most popular participation sport. This statistic may come as a surprise to many because cycling is not a widely televised sport, although Versus (formerly the Outdoor Life Network) has made some headway in changing that image. Last year, over 11 million spectators with an average household income of $91,100 watched a cycling event.
What do you gain by sponsoring?
The Terrapin Wake-N-Bake Team would like to invite your organization or business to join our team for the 2008 season. Contributions help defray the costs associated with maintaining a highly visible and competitive cycling teams. We need your support to fulfill commitments to our developing athletes. Competing at the highest level requires specialized equipment and involves a great deal of travel to attend the major competitions that are important for athlete development.
How can Terrapin Wake-N-Bake Team help you?
• Prime logo placements on Terrapin Wake-N-Bake clothing, website and team vehicle, which translates into rolling billboard advertising whenever the team competes, trains or travels.
• High logo exposure through athletes wearing logo gear during training and racing.
• Exposure of your company’s name, products and services through visibility at our premier cycling event. This includes signage and public announcements.
• Website link and access to prime advertising space on the Terrapin Wake-N-Bake web page.
• Exposure through press releases with your company name listed as a sponsor (a media person will be utilized to keep the team in the news throughout the region and will highlight your company in releases in your location.)
• Regular updates from Terrapin Wake-N-Bake racers.
• Regular circulation of Terrapin Wake-N-Bake photos and current events.
• We will supply either a Terrapin Wake-N-Bake picture or jersey to display at your place of business to demonstrate your commitment to promoting a healthy, active, drug-free lifestyle.
• Terrapin Wake-N-Bake will present a wholesome and positive image and add value to company promotions. The team’s successes are shared not only with the companies who sponsor us, but also with the customers who purchase from the companies. The athletes’ victories and their challenges are inspiring for the consumer and often translate into consumer support of the sponsoring companies.
•Ongoing exposure from wearing high quality clothing designed to last for many years. Compare the cost of that kind of exposure to traditional advertising channels such as print, radio, and TV.
Should you choose to join our team for the 2008 season, you will be embarking on a unique and rewarding experience with a group of talented and driven individuals. Thank you for taking the time to review our proposal for sponsorship, and we look forward to promoting your business in a positive and professional manner for the 2008 season!