Washington, DC - October 19, 2016 | DC Velo/Team Beyer Auto today announced that it is teaming up with Giant Bicycles and Conte’s Bike Shop for race equipment and performance needs for 2017 and beyond. The deal gives the team access to Giant’s top racing bikes, Wheelsystems, helmets, shoes, and other equipment, as well as the top-flight services and support of one of the country’s leading independent bicycle shops.
The announcement comes following a strong 2016 season by the team, with 20+ wins and top podium places. The team also continues to be a top contender on the national and world stage, having won a 2016 Master’s National Criterium Championship and placings in various national calendar events.
“I’m excited about the synergy for the upcoming season,” said Mark Sommers, President of Team Beyer Auto. “Conte’s runs a world-class bike shop and we know we’re in very capable hands. Giant is top-shelf in terms of cutting-edge technology, product development, and uncompromising quality. The team is totally amped about racing Giant product and working with Conte’s.”
“Giant is very excited to partner with DC Velo/Team Beyer Auto,” said Mike Abrams, Giant USA Regional Manager – East. “We have a history of working with the very best teams, from UCI and World Cup international competition, right through to top performing grass-roots and local squads in the US. By working with these teams, Giant is constantly innovating, improving, and refining our bikes and gear. We’re the world leader in bicycle technology, and successful teams like DC Velo/Team Beyer Auto help us showcase that fact.”
Beyer Auto, one of the areas premiere dealerships in the Washington Metropolitan Area, continues to be the title sponsor and will work closely with the new sponsors to help push the team forward.
“We continue to believe in connecting with community businesses, organizations, and events that reflect what we believe in,” said Jon Holl, General Manager of Don Beyer Volvo in Falls Church. “The people at DC Velo have really been great and an inspiration for us at Beyer. We look forward to working with the new sponsors to learn from such top caliber organizations and expand our network of like-minded individuals.”
ABOUT TEAM BEYER AUTO
Team Beyer Auto is on the nation’s premiere cycling teams. The club was first formed in the mid-1980s by Century Bicycles, a Silver Spring, Maryland bicycle shop once located on Bonifant Road. Originally named Century Bicycle Racing Club, the club was primarily a juniors team that expanded to include a seniors team. Century Bicycles went out of business in January 1995. Shortly before then, the club registered with the USCF (United States Cycling Federation) under the name DC Velo, which is the team’s official registered name, though the team proudly rides under the “Team Beyer Auto” banner. More information can be found at teambeyerauto.com
ABOUT BEYER AUTO
Beyer Auto is one of the region’s largest family-owned dealerships. Founded in 1973 when Don and Nancy Beyer bought a small, struggling Volvo dealership in Falls Church, the company has grown over four decades to nine locations covering five brands: Volvo, Subaru, Kia, Land Rover, and Volkswagen. Still family run, Beyer Auto continues to be one of the area’s top dealerships both in terms of vehicles moved and overall customer service and satisfaction. More information can be found at beyerauto.com.
ABOUT CONTE’S BIKE SHOP
Charles R. Conte, Sr. opened the first of the Conte’s family-owned bicycle stores in Newport News, Virginia in 1957. Conte, the son of Italian immigrants, was a machinist at a nearby shipyard when he opened his small, neighborhood bicycle and repair shop. He ran the shop based on his love of bicycles and his vision of providing personal service, and top quality products that he could personally guarantee. Conte’s became famous for providing customers with a one-of-a-kind buying experience that made Conte’s customers, not only repeat customers, but customers for life. Conte’s has nine locations in Arlington, Chesapeake, Falls Church, Midlothian, Newport News, Short Pump, Virginia Beach, Washington, D.C. (The Yards) and Williamsburg. More information can be found at www.contebikes.com.
ABOUT GIANT BICYCLES
Giant started in 1972 with one goal: Create a better cycling experience for people around the world. The founders of Giant were craftsmen and engineers. They understood their strengths. So to make cycling more enjoyable and accessible to people around the world, they did what they knew best. They set out to improve the cycling experience by following three guiding principles: craftsmanship, innovation and inspiration. Over the last four decades, Giant has grown well beyond its manufacturing roots to become the world’s leading brand of quality bicycles and gear. With more than 12,000 retail partners worldwide, Giant aims to inspire adventure in all riders, from casual to competitive. More information can be found at giant-bicycles.com.
Media Contact: Shaw Fici, (703) 304-9843