As part of its sponsorship deal with Ironman Europe, throughout 2014 and 2015 Mercedes-Benz will be present at nine races in eight countries, including the UK, Germany, Denmark, France, Austria and Spain.
In the UK, the Mercedes Vito Sport has been named as the Official Vehicle of the Ironman UK Tour and will be supporting two events: Ironman UK, Bolton (20 July 2014) and Ironman Wales, Pembrokeshire (14 September 2014). The new V-Class, which replaces the Viano in Mercedes’ line-up, is supporting the remainder of the European Tour.
As well as general support for the Ironman UK Tour, race organisers will have Mercedes Vito Sport vehicles through the duration of the competitions, with Vito Sport used as a lead vehicle in the races, as well as to support athlete recovery from the course, carrying water and blankets.
Mercedes-Benz is also accompanying the series with vehicle displays and its own exhibition area at the Ironman Expo at each event location, alongside significant branding along the race course.
During the Ironman UK events, there will also be Vito Sport VIP transport for Craig Alexander, three-time Ironman World Champion, who will be part of Ironman UK’s 10 year celebrations in Bolton over the weekend of Sunday 20 July 2014.
In addition, there will be a Vito Sport VIP Supporter Experience, which will be used to chauffeur a chosen athlete’s family around the event on race day, viewing from the best spectator spots and then to the finish line in time to watch their athlete complete the triathlon.
Steve Bridge, Managing Director at Mercedes-Benz Vans, said “We’re delighted to be the official Vehicle Partner to the Ironman UK Tour. The Vito Sport is the ultimate vehicle for athletes and their families, with the ability to carry bikes, room for athletes to get changed and space to carry all the kit required to complete an Ironman event.”
Kevin Stewart, Managing Director, Ironman Britain and Ireland, commented “The Ironman events in the UK are growing in popularity each year, so to have the support from the Vito Sport vehicles means that we can accommodate the growing needs of the athletes and supporters, including safely recovering competitors from the course, moving VIP guests around the route, and enabling us to negotiate the site quickly.”
www.ironman.com
www.ironmanuk.com
www.ironmanwales.com
