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The sponsors
Rotterdam City of Sports
When it comes to sport, Rotterdam is the number one sports city of the Netherlands. No other city features as many (top class) sporting events each year.
Annual events on the Rotterdam sports calendar include the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament, the Rotterdam indoor 6-day cycling event, the ABN AMRO Rotterdam Marathon and CHIO Rotterdam (an equestrian event). Rotterdam is also the proud host city of European and World Championships once in a wihle.
And of course the start of the largest annual sporting event in the world; the Grand Départ du Tour de France in 2010.
‘Sports’ is practically synonymous with ‘Rotterdam’!
Antwerp City of Sports
Antwerp – the city on the river Scheldt, city of Rubens, of diamonds, of fashion, a port city... The combination of all these different aspects is what makes Antwerp a real city: a vibrant, welcoming metropolis which is also great fun and heart-warming, with green areas where you can relax and peaceful corners. Antwerp is a true capital of the culture, boasting impressive architecture and splendid art. Moreover, Antwerp is a fashionista’s dream destination thanks to the stores of its world-renowned designers.
The cafes only serve the best beers and foodies can enjoy the most delicious traditional and multicultural cuisine in the city’s restaurants. Antwerp: a pocket-sized metropolis which is sure to conquer anyone’s heart in no time at all.
Increasingly, Antwerp is also a city of sport. Under the 2008-2013 sports policy plan, a drive has been launched to enhance the city’s sports infrastructure and to promote sports in general. As a result of the concerted drive for greater sports participation, Antwerp has obtained the title ‘European Capital of Sport 2013’.
Obtaining this title is an important step towards the city’s overriding policy goal: to encourage as many inhabitants of Antwerp as possible to engage in lifelong sports in optimal conditions.
Rotterdam World Port
Rotterdam is one of the main ports and the largest logistic and industrial hubs in Europe. With an annual throughput of 430 million tons of cargo in 2010, Rotterdam is by far the largest seaport in Europe. The port is the gateway to European market of more than 350 million consumers.
Rotterdam owes its position to its excellent accessibility from the sea, the hinterland connections and the many companies and organisations which are active in the port and industrial complex. The port stretches accross 40 kilometres and has a surface area of 10.500 ha.
Antwerp Port Authority
Antwerp has a rich tradition as a trade centre, a position due largely to its port that links the city to the entire world. The port of Antwerp is one of only two in Europe which rank among the 20 largest seaports in the world. It is also home to the largest petrochemical cluster in Europe. Together, the port and port-related industry provide 150,000 jobs.
With its 1,650 employees, the Antwerp Port Authority plays a key role in maintaining the port of Antwerp’s top position, both in maritime and in operational terms: managing and developing infrastructure, promoting Antwerp internationally and building support among neighbouring communities.
In the MAS Port Pavilion, local residents and visitors alike can experience the port of the 21st century, thus strengthening the links between the city and the port. Antwerp Port Authority is an organisation of and for people, firmly anchored in social reality. We are convinced that a modern, world-class port must also be a sustainable port, with economic ambitions but also in harmony with people and nature.
Zeeland Province
Cycling on the borderline of land and water - The wind makes the difference.
Cycling fits Zeeland. Only here, it’s possible to experience the battle against the elements. Zeeland has a long cycling history, including a rich competition history and many well-known cyclists. Think about tough men like Theo Middelkamp, Jan Raas, Cees Priem and Johnny Hoogerland. Men made of steel, moulded by the wind in the flat rides of Zeeland.
That same kind of wind, combined with straight roads, splendid panoramic views and impressive water works, ensures that Zeeland is extremely suitable for courses. That is why the first stage World Ports Classic will ride mostly in Zeeland for the greater part.
A lot of top cyclists fear the Zeeland route. This runs over water works, bordering land and water. And is – like all Zeeland’s cycling races – typified by the wind. When the wind is strong, crazy things can happen along the way. Then, the cyclists will have to ride in an echelon. Cycling in a long line with each cyclist close behind his predecessor’s wheel. Quite a challenge! Maarten Ducrot, Vlissingen origin, already stated: “A mountain determines the pace. The wind saps your will more than anything. You can push yourself right through it, if you wish. But it wears you down so much, it never stops.”
More information about cycling in Zeeland can be found on :
Province of Antwerp
The provincial government has taken on the challenge of being a sporting province. A province where a good sporting atmosphere prevails and where sport plays a social role for all: young people, the disabled, older people and families. Because sport is not just good for the health: through it, you meet surely new people and come into contact with important sporting values such as fair play, rules, friendship, emotions and other values. That too is an essential component of sport.
We are keen to organize as many international events and organisations here in our province as possible. Sport at top level sets an example too. Not only for young people, but for each and every one of us. Seeing someone practice a sport provides others with inspiration to start doing sports themselves. We want to stimulate this effect.
Sports are for everyone!
Province of Noord-Brabant
Noord-Brabant is highly successful in enterprise, innovation and sports. We are renowned for finding smart solutions, a bold approach to business and our instict for partnership. Inbetween the World Ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam, Brabant has a strong track record in logistics and industry.
But it is also known for its Burgundian lifestyle, hospitality and culture. Take for instance the attractive city of Breda, or the village of Zundert, birthplace of Vincent van Gogh. In fact, it is this unique combination of hard and soft aspects of life that makes Brabant a breeding ground for success. Brabant: an enterprising, innovative, successful region in Europe, a great place to live.
Moerdijk
- 36.600 inhabitants
- Port and industrial area of 2400 hectares
- Fourth seaport in the Netherlands
Moerdijk is centrally located between the main ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp, at the edges of the Hollands Diep. In the industrial and port areas of Moerdijk, more than 400 companies can be found. These companies, such as trade companies, business service providers, port companies, logistics service providers and carriers, form together an active and versatile economic cluster. In a race like the World Ports Classic which is dominated by sea ports, the port of Moerdijk may of course not be missing.
But Moerdijk is more than a seaport. There is the vast countryside, but also the historical fortresses Willemstad and Klundert. Culture, history and recreation blend in with its rural and industrial flair. And there is also the cycling culture. The cradle of many cycling heroes stood in West Brabant. Moreover in Moerdijk, much recreational cycling is going on and the number of (pro) races that are organized in the region is enormous. The coming of the World Ports Classic to Moerdijk is a particularly beautiful addition!
Cofidis, main partner and sponsor of the general classification
Cofidis has been active for 25 years as an indirect loan specialist in Belgium and is now proud to pool forces with A.S.O. as an official sponsor of the World Ports Classic. Cofidis is the leader in the consumer credit market and offers a wide range of products to suit the needs of its clients (personal loans, revolving loans, payment solutions, repurchase of accounts receivable, insurance and sponsorship).
As a company that attaches great importance to guiding its clients, Cofidis makes use of personalised advice, innovative tools and services and credit awareness to put consumers in control of their budgets with the appropriate information and responsibility. This unique expertise in the personalised management of remote client service is now used in several European countries. Cofidis has also been part of the world of cycling since 1996 through its pro cycling team, which is widely acclaimed for the ethical, professional and teamwork values it promotes.
R.E. : Cofidis S.A. – Lender – rue du Glategnies 4 – 7500 Tournai
Rabobank, official partner and partner of the stage winner
Rabobank and Cycle racing Rabobank Rotterdam is a financial service provider on a cooperative basis with a wide range of financial services and products for private and business customers.
The Rabobank is a bank with ideas. Not just ideas about money and bank matters, but also about sports, for instance. Because sports connects us all, inspires us and can bring out the best in us. That is why we don’t just support the sports we all watch, but also the sports from which we all benefit.
This means we support those who excel, the RaboWielerPloeg (Rabo Cycling Team), but also the Cycling initiatives in the broad sense. Because it is about more than just winning the match.
That is the thought, that is the idea.
RAGT SEMENCES, official partner and partner of the overall youth standing
At the head of a cycling team during two seasons, 2004 and 2005, RAGT Semences and through it farmers, signs it come back in the pack this year.
Thanks it research, RAGT Semences produces and markets seeds all around the world with its subsidiaries and a hundred of sellers who live daily close to farmers and distributors.
In the agricultural world, RAGT Semences is known especially for its varieties of corn, wheat, sunflower, rape and grasses.
For people, RAGT Semences, are hard wheat varieties used in the manufacturing of pastas of the biggest french brands, but also seeded grass which make global reputation of numerous sports grounds.
Škoda, official car
Since 2004 ŠKODA is closely connected to cycling. During the biggest and most important races such as the Giro, Vuelta and of course the Tour de France ŠKODA is the official car supplier. To this impressive list of races ŠKODA will this year add the World Ports Classic.
In this matter ŠKODA provides a tangible contribution in making the world’s biggest cycling events possible. With this, ŠKODA proves the durability of all it’s products. Because of ŠKODA’s durability most pro-cycling teams choose ŠKODA as their team car.
Although the ŠKODA Octavia and Superb are frequently seen during the races, ŠKODA has a complete range of models. For example the ŠKODA Citigo, ŠKODA’s new compact car (starting from € 7.990,-), but also the Yeti, the clever SUV of ŠKODA. All models have something in common; smart, practical, spacious and value for money.
When you want to find out more about how ŠKODA supports cycling and the cycling fans or when you want to know more about one of the ŠKODA models, please check our website,
ALDEN, official partner
Throughout Europe, Alden provides television and internet solutions via satellite adapted to each country. Alden is creating a buzz with the launch of its new ground-breaking concepts: AIO, the first “all-in-one” television and IGC, an all-purpose on-board digital tablet. Destined to simplify the life of motor-home owners, AIO and IGC have received wide acclaim in the international press.
It is good to know that somebody has thought of a way to make things perfectly simple. Alden, a specialist in renewable energy for the last 15 years, is environmentally friendly and also provides “solar energy” solutions for mobile leisure pursuits.
le coq sportif, official supplier
For its 130th anniversary, Le Coq Sportif is to become a partner of the main A.S.O. races and will thus provide the four leaders’ jerseys: the yellow jersey, the green jersey, the polka dot jersey and the white jersey. A historic partner of the great moments in sport, the tricolour brand is revisiting its glorious past in the cycling world.
Its renewed connection with the Tour de France is a genuine reunion because since 1951 and for nearly 40 years, Le Coq Sportif has equipped some of the greatest riders, from Jacques Anquetil and Bernard Hinault to Eddy Merckx.
Mavic, race assistance
Mavic, French manufacturer of wheel-tyre systems, rims, pedals and counters for sports cycling, was founded back in 1889 in Lyon, no fewer than 123 years ago. Today, Mavic designs and manufactures a complete range of technical and innovative equipment for the sport of cycling. Full details on www.mavic.com, and on the Mavic Facebook and YouTube pages.
PROCYCLING, official media sponsor
Procycling brings you the colour, action and drama of the international cycling world in a glossy and dynamic magazine. It’s the authoritative, worldwide voice of international professional road racing. Procycling brings to life the complexities, rivalries and hardships of the professional cyclingscene with exclusive features and spectacular photography.
Since this year Procycling publish next to the official Tour de France guide also the official Giro d’Italia guide.
Procycling, inside in the world’s toughest sport!
Het laatste nieuws, official media sponsor
«Het Laatste Nieuws», with a daily reach of more than 1 million readers, is the most popular newspaper in Belgium. Its elaborated offer of sports makes it many Belgian’s favorite daily read. «Het Laatste Nieuws» cultivates this strength with tailor-made sports guides, published throughout the year.
Ad, official media sponsor
AD (Algemeen Dagblad) is a versitile public newspaper, number 2 in The Netherlands and number 1 in the Randstad. Not only does AD have national- and international news sections, AD also has daily regional news. Readers receive a strong daily news section, a sports section, and a customized regional news section within the Randstad.
With the «AD Sportwereld», AD provides The Netherlands with its only daily sports newspaper, making AD number 1 in sports. AD reaches 1.5 million readers on a daily basis.