METLIFE RETURNS FOR A SECOND YEAR AS PROFESSIONAL CYCLING TEAMS TITLE SPONSOR

METLIFE RETURNS FOR A SECOND YEAR AS PROFESSIONAL CYCLING TEAMS TITLE SPONSOR

NEW YORK, April 17, 2009

On your mark, get set, go.  MetLife, a leading provider of individual insurance and employee benefits, announced today the continuation of its title sponsorship of the Boston-based Project Cycling organization.  Beginning its relationship with the cycling team in 2007 as a presenting sponsor, MetLife extended its sponsorship of the team in 2008 to title sponsorship, and this year has signed on for a two-year commitment, in which the team name will be MetLife Pro-Am Cycling Team.

Cycling’s positive impact on health, physical fitness, quality of life, and environmental issues, among other positive factors, make a sponsorship opportunity in support of cycling very appealing to the company.  As the second most popular recreational activity in the United States behind walking, MetLife intends to associate itself not only with the simple pleasures of riding a bike and the thrill of road racing, but with cycling’s eco-friendliness. 

“Cycling remains at the forefront of the alternative transportation debate in the United States and we’re proud to provide support for the activity and awareness with the MetLife Pro-Am Cycling Team,” said Richard Hong, vice president, Global Brand and Marketing Services at MetLife. “This opportunity offers a way for us to let cycling enthusiasts know that we are enthusiastic about the sport and the positive impact that it has on peoples lives.”

As part of the team’s green initiatives, Brighter Planet, an environmental consulting firm, has agreed to sponsor the team by offsetting the riders’ collective carbon footprint as they travel to races throughout the season.  To help brand the fight against global warming, the team will also race for 350.org, an internet-driven campaign to reduce CO2 in the atmosphere.

Kim Taylor, manager, Global Brand and Marketing Services at MetLife added, “MetLife’s prominent sponsorship of one of the nation’s elite cycling teams presents an exciting way for the company to promote it’s brand and services while increasing customer engagement.”

Fans will get plenty of chances to meet the team of experienced, high-powered Category One and Two cyclists.  The team will race primarily in the Northeast, focusing on larger National Racing Calendar events, such as, the Tour of Somerville in New Jersey and the Fitchburg-Longsjo Classic Stage Race in Massachusetts.  With MetLife’s continued support, the team will prove its speed and endurance beyond the borders of New England in races such as the Tour of the Battenkill (upstate New York), the Joe Martin Stage Race (Arkansas), Superweek (Wisconsin), the National Criterium Championships (Illinois), and the Univest Grand Prix (Pennsylvania).

On April 25, the team will host the Turtle Pond Circuit Race in Loudon, New Hampshire, one of New England’s most popular early season events.  The team’s philanthropic initiatives in 2009 begin with this race where 100% of race proceeds will be donated to two local New Hampshire charities: the Loudon Elementary School Technology Fund and the Dr. Dennise Maslakowski Graduate Education Scholarship Fund at Plymouth State University.