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SCICON has dropped all the Astana workforce from its sponsorship roster. That’s as a result of the recently-signed Mark Cavendish is not going to put on the Italian sun shades — as an alternative choosing the shades of his longtime sponsor, Oakley.
In a Monday assertion, SCICON CEO Heinrich Dannhauser made the model’s place clear when it comes to “ethics.”
“It’s unlucky that particular person riders can compromise sponsorship agreements on this means. It’s much more unlucky {that a} workforce wouldn’t rise up for what’s ethically the best factor to do – honoring the settlement and recognizing the numerous investments that have been made by SCICON,” Dannhauser stated. “We took a powerful stance on this case and couldn’t make an exception for one rider.”
The CEO went on to place “all sponsors {of professional} biking” on discover concerning SCICON’s choice.
SCICON operated as Astana’s gear associate for 2 years, after first showing on the UCI circuit three years in the past. The deal included eyewear, baggage, and bike luggage, based on the model.
SCICON averted naming Oakley, Cavendish’s longtime sunglass sponsor, in its launch. Cyclingnews reported the sponsorship battle beforehand led to “tensions” in the course of the Kazakh workforce’s negotiations with the Manxman. And now, the outlet stated, different members of the Astana lineup have been noticed carrying Oakley.
SCICON, in the meantime, reportedly prepares to sue Astana for damages over breach of contract.
“Most of the world’s greatest riders use SCICON eyewear,” Dannhauser stated, referring to the likes of Tadej Pogacar and Australian Criterium Nationwide Champion Amber Pate. “This unlucky scenario is not going to deter us at a time when there are very thrilling developments in our enterprise and a lot to sit up for.”
