Over the past four years, RECM, the privately owned, Cape Town asset management company, has been the main sponsor to South Africa’s number one mountain bike cycling team – Team RECM.
Photo: Ewald Sadie.
During these years the team grew to a formidable force in the South African mounting biking community. A partnership of professional athletes and a sponsor that share a common goal lie behind this. At a recent meeting between RECM management and team owner, Erik Kleinhans, the parties agreed that the sponsorship would not be renewed after the 2015 season draws to an end in December.
“I believe that Team RECM has proven to be a professional and visible outfit in South African racing and the team prides itself on its members and staff.” says Erik Kleinhans.
“It has been an absolute privilege and inspiration to all of us at RECM to be associated with such a professional, focused and successful team of talented athletes” says Jan van Niekerk, RECM CEO.
“We have been very proud and pleased with the way in which Team RECM represented our firm, our values and our Brand. It is unfortunate that our partnership will now come to and end,” he added.
“It’s been a fantastic journey with RECM owners Jan van Niekerk and Piet Viljoen and everyone at RECM who became more than just our financial backers through the years. It is always sad when a hugely successful partnership like this draws to a close. I’m sure the mountain biking community will miss the distinctly black kit on the trails next year” Kleinhans said.
The team riders are looking to end the season off on a high, as a token of appreciation for everything RECM invested in them as athletes and into the sport of mountain biking over the years. Team RECM will thus fulfil all of their 2015 racing commitments and there will be no change in their racing calendar. Cherise Stander is currently racing in Europe in preparations for world champs. James Reid and Ariane Kleinhans are racing the XCO World Cups in Europe after which they will join Erik Kleinhans and Nico Bell to focus on stage and marathon races for the remainder of 2015 in South Africa.
“At this stage it is unlikely that the team will continue in 2016 unless a new financial sponsor emerges” says Kleinhans. The riders’ options are currently open for possible partners and teams for the new year.
Not surprised with the current economic climate!