NEW SPONSORS HELP KEY CYCLING EVENT

One of the country’s most important youth track cycling competitions is going ahead after it secured sponsorship from a national brand.

The British Cycling National Tandem Sprint Championship and Newcastle-under-Lyme round of the Northern Area Youth Omnium series, will be sponsored by 3-IN-ONE, the longest established brand in the UK’s lubricants market.

In previous years this meeting has seen the likes of gold medal winning Olympians Victoria Pendleton and Jason Kenny compete, and this year future British Olympians race could be in action.

The 2011 event, on Sunday 22nd May at the Lyme Valley stadium, will form part of the British Paralympian cyclists’ training programme for next year, with Beijing gold medallists, Barney Storey and Anthony Kappes racing.

It offers a great chance of local riders to follow in the tyre tracks of Newcastle-under-Lyme rider, Kian Emadi (18), who has been talent spotted in previous youth omnium races and is hoping to make the Olympic squad for the 2016 games in Brazil.

Event co-ordinator, Paul Barber, said: “3-IN-ONE’s sponsorship of this event means everything, as it allows us to put on a more professional meeting, including the hiring of photo finish timing equipment for race winners.

“It also enables us to divert funds into promoting and sustaining cycling to young people in Staffordshire and beyond.

“This is a key event for British Cycling staff to identify emerging talent for inclusion in the Olympics Talent Team programme and I’m sure we’ll see some fantastic races.”

3-IN-ONE is forging links with British youth cycling, having recently agreed to sponsor a team containing some of the sport’s brightest young talent, Velocity 3-IN-ONE CNP.

Amy Long, brand manager for lubricant specialists 3-IN-ONE, said: “We’re delighted to sponsor this event and look forward to seeing cycling stars of the future in action.

“We have a complete range of 3-IN-ONE solutions, so will be providing expert advice on keeping the cyclists’ equipment in tip-top condition throughout the day, with specific focus on our newly launched Bike Maintenance Spray.

“The company’s commitment to cycling is long-term as it represents an area where the brand has product expertise that cyclists can rely on.”

The meeting will include youth omnium races at under 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 levels, with the two higher age groups split into girls and boys.

Paul concluded: “Cycling in this country is more popular than ever before and this is reflected in the number of youngsters attending the Newcastle track every week.”

CONNECT PR HIT THE HEADLINES

As the boss jets off to the sunshine state and our resident blogger soaks up some seaside fun, the powers that be have asked me to muse over this week’s events at Connect PR.

We’ve made sure that the wet weather hasn’t dampened our spirits by battling through to deliver some great news in both our professional and personal lives.

Richard kicked off the week by shaking off an arm injury to step-up to the office oche. The ‘master’ threw some fine WD-40 arrows, but still lacked the accuracy to topple ‘lethal weapon’ who continues to score heavy and finish like a tungsten pro. It wasn’t all bad news for the office joker though, as his love for nature flourished by nurturing and releasing an uninvited giant moth and stag beetle from the building.

The thought of basking in the Tenerife sun couldn’t keep Becki from sourcing a great venue to host HiQ’s Hero award ceremony. The Custard Factory, located in Digbeth, will welcome heroes from across the UK in November as Sally Gunnell crowns an overall hero and rewards them with £5,000 to spend on a local community project.

Lizzie continues to hit the back of the net with some colourful campaigns for the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy and thanks to her best friend will be whisked away to meet Ewan McGregor next week having won an Empire Film competition on twitter.

Meanwhile, Kathy continued to work her magic on a new business pitch and Zoe received hundreds of 3-IN-ONE ponchos and air fresheners to keep fans of the drip oil dry and smelling great. Sue also cracked the wonders of survey monkey to find out heavenly and hellish family driving experiences. So if you have some time over the bank holiday weekend, let us know your family driving habits by taking a few moments to complete the following survey http://ht.ly/2v5pt.

Until next time ...

CHESHIRE BIKE SHOP IS THE CHOSEN ONE

A Cheshire cycle shop is one of just a few UK businesses chosen to test the latest product from international giants, WD-40.

The company, which manufactures a range of specialist lubricants under the 3-IN-ONE brand, has chosen twelve50bikes in Frodsham to be the first official testers of its newly launched 3-IN-ONE Bike Maintenance lubricant.

Despite being open only a few months, twelve50bikes was chosen because of the business’ service facility and the experience of the two owners.

Matt Steadman and Rick Minshull are ex-professional mountain bikes racers with over 20 years’ experience in the cycling industry.

David Whittome, head of UK marketing at WD-40 Company, said: “Twelve50bikes is the perfect place to test the new 3-IN-ONE Bike Maintenance product.

“Matt and Rick are bike mad and most importantly are riders themselves, meaning they’ll be testing it on their own bikes first.

“The feedback they give will prove invaluable as we look at ensuring the product meets criteria to everyone maintaining a bike.

Matt, from twelve50bikes, said: “We’re delighted to have been chosen to test 3-IN-ONE Bike Maintenance product

“We use huge amounts of lubricants in our service department and also on our own bikes.

“We only stock products which we’d be happy to use ourselves so look forward to the using the lubricant.”

MK DONS CHARITY CYCLE GOES SMOOTHLY WITH THE HELP OF 3-IN-ONE

Super-fit cyclists from MK Dons FC completed a gruelling Lands End to John o’ Groats charity ride due to determination, hard work and the latest product from WD-40 company.

Six of the team’s members signed up for the challenge with the aim of raising £20,000 for Help For Heroes and MK Dons Sport and Education Trust (SET). Last month the group braved rain, screaming muscles and exhaustion to reach their goal in just ten days.

The cyclists had the backing of a number of supporters, including Milton Keynes-based WD-40, which manufactures a range of specialist lubricants under the 3-IN-ONE brand.

The company donated a quantity of its newly launched 3-IN-ONE Bike Maintenance product to ensure all six bikes have enough lubrication and protection to help them through the 1,000 mile ride prior to the team’s departure on June 5th.

Darren Oldroyd, director of football and community for MK Dons SET, said: “The experience was very challenging and not helped by the disappointing weather – it rained for six of the 10 days. The 3-IN-ONE Bike Maintenance product was very useful given those conditions.

“We found it superb as a cleaning product around the cassette and chain and a useful lubricant. Maintenance was a vital part of the challenge and every stage started and finished with bike maintenance, so the product was used extensively during the ride.”

The team, made up of Paul Mitchell, MK Dons community ambassador, Darren Oldroyd, James Parkinson, MK Dons head of partnerships, John Lloyd, MK Dons business development executive and Dave Pearson from Milton Keynes-based company Filmology, were the first cyclists in the country to use the product.

David Whittome, head of UK marketing at WD-40, said: “Supporting charities is important to us, and we’re delighted MK Dons completed the challenge and found the 3-IN-ONE Bike Maintenance product an essential part of their kit during their quest.”

The ride has so far generated over £22,000 which will be divided equally amongst both charities.

Further donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/SETH4Hbikechallenge

MK DONS CHARITY CYCLE TEAM RECEIVES BOOST

A team of cyclists from MK Dons FC has received a local boost as they make final preparations for their Lands End to John o’ Groats charity ride.

Milton Keynes-based WD-40 Company, who manufacture a range of specialist lubricants under the 3-IN-ONE brand, has joined the list of high profile supporters of the six-strong cycling team.
The company has donated a quantity of its newly launched 3-IN-ONE Bike Maintenance product to ensure all six bikes have enough lubrication and protection to help them through the 1,000 mile ride.

Starting on Sunday June 5th, the team is hoping to raise £20,000 for Help for Heroes and MK Dons Sport and Education Trust (SET). Both will receive 50% each of the total money raised.

Paul Mitchell, MK Dons’ community ambassador, said: “We’re grateful to every person or business that has made the ride possible, but especially to those based in Milton Keynes.

“The donation by 3-IN-ONE will provide the team with the essential support to keep the bikes and riders running smoothly. We feel honoured to be the first cyclists in the country to be using this product.

“The idea of a bike ride fits in with our promotion of health and fitness and with support from our sponsors hopefully we’ll be able to continue to make a real impact on people’s lives in Milton Keynes and throughout the rest of the country.”

David Whittome, head of UK marketing at WD-40 Company, said: “Supporting charities is important to us, and we’re delighted MK Dons have taken up this challenge.

“I’m sure the team will find the 3-IN-ONE Bike Maintenance product an essential part of their kit during the 1,000 miles.

The bike ride is for two very worthy charities and everyone working on the 3-IN-ONE brand wishes the team the best of luck.”

The team consists of Paul Mitchell, MK Dons Community Ambassador, Darren Oldroyd, Director of Football and Community in the SET, James Parkinson, MK Dons Head of Partnerships, John Lloyd, MK Dons Business Development Executive and Dave Pearson from Milton Keynes-based company Filmology.

To donate go to www.justgiving.com/SETH4Hbikechallenge

Lubricant specialist boosts Motorsport College

A national training college is celebrating after securing a vital sponsorship deal with lubricant specialists, WD-40.

As part of the ongoing package, the Silverstone-based National College for Motorsport will receive a vital supply of WD-40 and its range of specialist oils from sister brand, 3-IN-ONE professional.

The college provides 16 to 24 year-olds with full time and apprenticeship race technician training opportunities to students looking for a career in motorsport, all at its purpose-built facility at The Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire.

Many former learners have realised their dream of working within the industry at national and international level, including A1 GP, GP2 and even Formula 1.

Justin Downard, the college’s senior lecturer, said: “To provide the best education to our students, we need to provide them with the best products in the market.

“The sponsorship deal with WD-40 not only provides the best lubricant and oils in the world for them to work with, but it means the college can channel Government grants to other areas of the course, giving students a better level of training facilities.”

WD-40’s senior brand manager, Neil Gow, said: “As a company WD-40 is delighted to provide the college with a valued sponsorship package.

“Silverstone is the perfect setting for the college and provides WD-40 with a platform to demonstrate the high quality nature of all the company’s products, including the 3-IN-ONE professional range of oils.”

Ends

For more information contact Richard Knowles on 01902 714 957 / 07959 200 703 or email richard@connect-group.com

James Wade signs sponsorship deal with WD-40

World number three darts player James Wade is stepping up to the oche with a new sponsorship deal under his belt. WD-40 is behind the ‘new face’ of darts until at least the end of 2010, for a significant five-figure sum.

See the video now: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIeEoZCWYtA.

TITLE WITHIN SIGHT FOR GLEW

Phil Glew took a giant step towards the 2009 ELF Renault Clio Cup championship with a near flawless performance last weekend at Silverstone.

The 24-year-old claimed first and second place finishes in his WD-40 and 3-IN-ONE professional sponsored Clio to give him an almost unassailable championship lead.

Nearest rival Alex MacDowall took a third place in the first race but was forced to retire from the second race, thus handing Glew a 111 point advantage.

In race one Glew started on pole but settled for second place as he allowed Dave Newsham to pass and safely collect important championship points.

Glew started second in race two but a multi car pile-up led to the safety car leading the race for four laps.

After the safety car laps, Glew passed Tom Carnaby for the lead and finished a comfortable three seconds ahead of the field.

MacDowall’s retirement on lap five gave Glew that further boost as he looks to win the championship in the next round at Rockingham.

He’s now racked up an impressive eight wins and a further six podiums from 16 races, proof of his dominance in the championship.

Glew commented: “I’m obviously delighted with the weekend results and feel like I have one and a half hands on the trophy.

“I was consistent in my lap times all weekend, but know I need to continue pushing and hope to win the championship at Rockingham later in September.

“I’d like to thank the continued support of fans and the team, but particularly my sponsors WD-40 and 3-IN-ONE professional, without which this championship challenge wouldn’t be possible.”

Rounds 17 & 18 of the ELF Renault Clio Cup take place at Rockingham Circuit on 19th & 20th September.

Glew is offering one fan the chance to experience life inside his Clio track car. Just go to www.3-in-one.co.uk/index.php/competition

WIN A ‘3-IN-ONE’ TRACK DAY RACING EXPERIENCE

Lubricants specialist 3-IN-ONE professional is offering one fan the chance to win a track day with leading 2009 Renault Clio Cup driver Philip Glew in an exclusive competition.

3-IN-ONE professional has teamed up with Edge Sporting Events to offer fans the chance to experience the life of a professional racer for a day with Philip Glew, who is currently leading the popular one-make championship by over 70 points with three race meetings left.
The once-in-a-lifetime experience, worth over £1,000, will be a full track day with time in the replica road version of Glew’s Clio Cup.

He said: “I aim to give someone the opportunity to not only be a passenger in the cars, but also drive around the track with my tutoring.

“The fans are so supportive of me when I’m racing, my sponsors and I want to give them something back.”

The 26-year-old from Louth is next in action at Silverstone on 29th and 30th as he looks to strengthen his grip on the 2009 championship.

To enter simply go to www.3-in-one.co.uk/index.php/competition or visit Phil’s team awning at one of the three remaining championships rounds at Silverstone, Rockingham and Brands Hatch.

The closing date is 31st October 2009 with the winner drawn shortly after.

The 3-IN-ONE brand has been a trusted name among users for well over 100 years.

From the original ‘Toolkit in a can’ to the professional range of 6 high performance formulas, 3-IN-ONE has everything you need to keep your car in tip-top condition.

For further information please contact Richard Knowles, 01902 714 917 or 07595 200 703. E-mail: richard@connect-group.com