addiscombe.org

by **Climber** » Thu Oct 30, 2003 6:51 pm

I was just wondering if anyone had thought of asking local businesses to sponsor a road team for a season.
We could have a specific racing kit, selling advertising space on it.
With the money you could supply the riders with a couple of kits (summer/winter) and pay for entry fees to races and maybe even tyres/parts for bikes etc.

Just a thought, seeing as I was approached by a rival club asking if I wanted to join. They have quite a few sponsors, but aren't as strong as Addiscombe so I passed!

But you never know who's just around the corner with the deal of a lifetime..... US Postal, i'm waiting for your call

by **the other Steve Dennis** » Thu Oct 30, 2003 7:54 pm

This is a subject brought up repeatedly.
I did myself a year or so ago.

I am now on the other side of the fence and actually against this idea within our club.

There is the problem that we are a club of 200 members, it seems unlikely that we will find a sponsor able to subsidise new kit for all 200. And thats just the start of it.

I would like to think that as an active racer I would benefit from sponsorship of a 'racing team'. But I probably wouldnt as I am not able to commit to a full season of profile races and probably just aint good enough. Then what about the 170 members who dont race? We would be in danger of causing splits within our club community.

Yes we would gain prestige, possibly better results and maybe recruit better racers but at what cost?

On the comittee we have already asked for club members to come forward with the names of any companies who would like to be involved sponsoring the club's activities. We would love to find businesses willing to help fund, cater, supply prize money, railings, photo equipment, transport, marquees etc for Addiscombe promoted races. Next year we are hosting a round of the U23 British RR championship which will also attract many of the nation's fastest roadmen. We need to put on a show as the promoting club. We need to show Cycling Weekly etc what a great event we can host, this will boost the club's image and reputation no end. It also more importantly gives back to the sport. A sport who's governing body seems to cater for those on the path to Olympic glory only (you ask those in the know where your membership fee goes). As every race you enter is funded and hosted by other clubs who give their time and energy we will do the same, only we will do it most 'Agreeably'.

This turned into a bit of a speech I know. If it's tone seems aggresive it certainly wasnt aimed toward climbers request or person. I hope no one thinks I have spoken out of place in regards to the comittee. But I have taken the opportunity to reiterate our club's desire to make next years Addiscombe promotion run smoothly, seemlessly and amazingly.

Thanks

by **Climber** » Fri Oct 31, 2003 10:22 am

My thoughts were that it the sponsors wouldn't be for 200+ members, but just a select 6 or 8 who were willing to commit to an entire season of racing.
It would be something up and coming ACC riders could strive for and maybe give them that little bit more motivation needed to win.
I didn't want to divide the club or make an 'elite' sector.

As our captain pointed out at the beginning of last Saturday's training ride, we had a triathlon World Champ, a SL RR King of the Mountains & a Ladies Divisional Road Champ.

To add to that, we've just picked up the most improved club in the Surrey league. How long before our stars start getting noticed by other clubs who reward their riders with sponsorships?

You've got to strike while the irons hot, and what better time to do so than now? Is there anything keeping me from joining another club, other than loyalty?

While traing last night in the pooring rain I asked myself 'Is all this worth it?' For now, my answer is yes..... but for how much longer, I don't know!

by **siwickm** » Fri Oct 31, 2003 1:03 pm

Sounds like climber is pretty serious! Just out of interest do clubs generally have sponsorship deals for third cat riders?

by **Climber** » Fri Oct 31, 2003 2:11 pm

Don't know, didn't spend long enough in third cat. to find out!

by **siwickm** » Fri Oct 31, 2003 2:20 pm

What cat do you start seeing sponsorship coming in then?

by **Climber** » Fri Oct 31, 2003 2:43 pm

It would be more like sponsoring the top 6 or 8 riders in the club.
Most of which are either in Cat. 1 or 2.
Maybe a few Cat 3 riders if they show potential.....
Basically the idea of sponsorship is advertising for the sponsors.
So, riders with the ability to win or perfom well would be the first choice.

by **Rob** » Fri Oct 31, 2003 3:25 pm

just a quick question, who is climber? i initially thought it was one of the twins as one of them said exactly what is being said, but he wasnt a racer, and this climber person is!!!
so who are you

and alot of people have suggested this idea, so maybe it is a possibility and shouldnt be overlooked so quickly...i think it would be fun to have trials every year to try make it onto a team!!! add a little more excitement and would definately make more steve bayliss's out of the racers!!!

by **Climber** » Fri Oct 31, 2003 3:36 pm

My friends call me Pinche pedorro, my real name is Brett Perez :twisted:

by **Climber** » Fri Oct 31, 2003 4:22 pm

This may seem like a cop out, but any spare time I have is spent on the bike. I don't get too many chances to do things when my training diary requires me to do 400+ miles a week!

I truely enjoy being a memeber of Addiscombe, but if you're advising me to join another club if I want to be rewarded for my efforts, then my hands are tied!

It's a pitty, cause I can assure you I will be winning Elite races by next July.

by **the other Steve Dennis** » Fri Oct 31, 2003 4:32 pm

I have to agree with Marco - hell even I am seen as an old hand now!!
Why? - because the core of the club see me at comittee meetings, see me as a secretary, see me holding a flag at Addiscombe Road races which I am more than entitled to ride and able to place in, see me standing in the rain at 7am directing tt'ers and even get to taste the odd cake I bake for the club room!

We need to do more, the active racers should not leave it to the non racers or non winners to marshall their events. Steve Dennis (the other one) of East Grinstead a proven winner and respected rider is often seen marshalling rides to name just one. Next year we want to encourage, not demand, that riders give back to the sport and help it to grow.

Off the point a bit I know, but that's my first priority.

If we want to investigate the idea of a sponsor for a 'racing team', or is that a 'road racing team', then we have the perfect opportunity to attract prospective sponsors next year.

With the Addiscombe hosted round of the National U23 RR series we can:

a - let possible sponsors contribute to help make this event run superbly and see the effect that their sponsorship has had on the race, it's racers, the sport, the community and on its own business. Its the perfect rial run.

b - It's also the perfect case study. We can use media coverage, photos, video, finance records etc to attract sponsors. We can even show them how their sponsorship would help us and how they would gain publicity.

It is unlikely that British Cycling would ratify any kit or team changes in time for the next racing season so I imagine that sponsorship for 2004 is 'practically' going to be very difficult.

If we are to make this a success and convince people such as myself that it is a good idea then lets work hard to put the proposal in concrete and impressive form. Lets get proof from the succesful hosting of all of our club's promotions next year.

Lets not leave it to the same old people to do the above, though they are willing to offer their services.

'You' want it bad enough, show us.
'You' now have the opportunity to make this happen.

by **Climber** » Fri Oct 31, 2003 4:52 pm

From what i've gathered, people have tried before to start a road team and failed.
Maybe i'm heading in a different direction than those in Addoscombe CC.

I'm sorry to say, i've raced my last race in the Addiscombe colours.

Brett Perez

by **siwickm** » Fri Oct 31, 2003 5:05 pm

That was quick, you went from starting a road team to not racing for the club at all in a matter of a few days.

I am hoping to do a bit more racing next year, not in same league as Climber, I hope to be able to persuade a few agreeable to race with me and we can work together and try and improve our results as a team. I quite like the Addiscombe colours so will be racing in them next year if they want me.

by **Climber** » Fri Oct 31, 2003 5:09 pm

I'll speak to you on the club run tomorrow Marco.

by **the other Steve Dennis** » Fri Oct 31, 2003 5:18 pm

[quote]If we are to make this a success and convince people such as myself that it is a good idea then lets work hard to put the proposal in concrete and impressive form. Lets get proof from the succesful hosting of all of our club's promotions next year.

Lets not leave it to the same old people to do the above, though they are willing to offer their services.

'You' want it bad enough, show us.
'You' now have the opportunity to make this happen.

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