Today, Oakley announced a three-year global partnership with the elite cycling team based in South Africa, Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka. As innovators in the cycling industry, Oakley will support the spirit and drive of Team Dimension Data, a brand pioneering and redefining the sport, by becoming the team’s official eyewear and on-and-off bike apparel sponsor.
At the 2016 Tour de France, Team Dimension Data will wear their new Oakley cycling kits and eyewear on-bike. The collection includes a leader jersey eyewear collection, team jerseys, bibs, caps, t-shirts and eyewear with Prizm technology – including a limited edition eyewear sku developed in collaboration with Mark Cavendish, an Oakley athlete and Team Dimension Data rider. Oakley will also be designing Team Dimension Data replica kits and eyewear for fans to show their support for the team during the Tour de France.
“Oakley is a brand that always delivers premium and leading performance apparel and eyewear, and this Team Dimension Data collection is no exception,” said Cavendish. “From Oakley Prizm, a revolutionary lens technology that dramatically enhances detail to improve performance, to sleekly designed cycling kits, the brand continues to innovate in sports performance.”
Team Dimension Data, better known as Africa’s Team, competes in the UCI World Tour at the highest level of road cycling. The team has a unique roster of athletes ranging from legends like Mark Cavendish, Mark Renshaw and Edvald Boasson to Eritrean cycling heroes, Natnael Berhane, Mekseb Debesay, Merhawi Kudus, and Daniel Teklehaimanot.
“We are thrilled about our partnership with Team Dimension Data – they are a diverse group of pro riders from all corners of the globe with an unparalleled passion for cycling,” said Cuan Petersen, Vice President Global Sports Marketing. “Both our brands are grounded in performance and pushing the boundaries in cycling. This partnership is a natural fit that will help us develop and prove our products on the toughest testing stage, as well as help develop new riders from Africa.”
Oakley will also be supporting the team off-the-bike by joining forces with Qhubeka, the team’s non-profit African charity dedicated to advancing education, health and economic opportunities for Africans through sustainable transportation, such as bikes. Team Dimension Data’s goal for the year is to donate over 5,000 Buffalo Bikes, and Oakley will help by donating over 150 bikes to the cause.
“For Oakley to not only commit to being Team Dimension Data’s official apparel and eyewear sponsor but to get involved in all aspects of our team is really special,” said Douglass Ryder. Team Dimension Data Team Principle. “The brand is committed to progressing the sport – with action on-and-off the bike.”
The Oakley Team Dimension Data limited edition 2016 Tour de France replica kits and eyewear will be available on Oakley.com and at select Oakley stores worldwide starting June 29th.
For more information on the team, please visit: africasteam.com. To donate directly to the Qhubeka charity, please visit: bicycleschangelives.org/ – donate.
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