RaboPlus corporate sponsors of the SANTOS Tour Down Under

Sydney: December 04, 2009

RaboPlus, the online banking division of Rabobank Australia, today announced an agreement with the South Australian Tourism Commission to become a corporate sponsor of the 2010 SANTOS Tour Down Under.

Held in Adelaide (January 17-24, 2010), The SANTOS Tour Down Under will also feature a Rabobank cycling team of seven professional riders, including Australian sprint cyclist Graeme Brown.

Graeme Brown said he was excited at being the only non-Dutch member of the team about to race on home soil, and looked forward to making sure the Rabobank team cycled away with the trophy.

"We have a very strong and competitive line up for next year's SANTOS Tour Down Under. It's quite formidable with two reigning Dutch national champions and a Tour de France stage winner," said Brown.

"The experience on this team should show on the results board come January."

Spectators will also get a chance to meet some of the Rabobank cyclists in the RaboPlus Marquee on the 17th, 22nd and 24th of January, 2010. Rabobank became involved in the cycling sport in 1996, and is one of the longest-serving sponsors of Tour De France.

The corporate sponsorship includes online and on-air branding, hospitality and advertising opportunities.

Greg McAweeney, RaboPlus General Manager, said this sponsorship follows the Tour De France as another opportunity to engage with the cycling community.

RaboPlus will host diary updates, from Rabobank cycling team, as well as exclusive video interviews and photos will be posted on raboplus.tv site. Daily news updates will be provided by a dedicated RaboPlus journalist, who will follow the Rabobank team throughout the Tour.

Mr McAweeney said the sponsorship of the Tour Down Under will broaden RaboPlus' involvement and support for cycling and the Australian cycling community. 

Mr McAweeney said RaboPlus would also be running competitions for customers and the general public to win Rabobank cycling gear, and bikes from GIANT, the official supplier to the Rabobank Pro team. 

RaboPlus also supports the Australian Cancer Council Helpline Classic on January 17 next year as part of its sponsorship package, with $50 donated to Cancer Council SA for every new account opened. Visit www.uniteinthefight.com.au.