Vellum throws back support to local cycling and triathlon

Signs up Australian pro Ironman and Phl coach Dan Brown

 CEBU, Philippines - Vellum World Cycles International, Inc. has renewed is support to triathlon and cycling, this time with more focus on local athletes and events.

Vellum Cycles President and CEO Chris Aldeguer said that though their business concentration is focused internationally, it is somewhat important for them to show their support locally.

“Even if our primary focus is the international market, it is important to us that we show our support to the sport of triathlon and cycling in the Philippines, “ said Aldeguer in a news conference yesterday at the City Sports Club-Cebu.

Since 2005, Vellum has always been supportive of cycling through its sponsorship program. It first caters to the elite road cycling teams. They eventually backstopped teams around the world such as Arete Racing, EMC/Vellum of California, Mnster Health of Pennsylvania, Daihatsu Bonne Chance of Tokyo, St. Kilda of Australia and team Glamdal of Norway.

During that time, Vellum's support did not only reflect on the international stage but locally as well. In 2005, it sponsored Phl's Pro Cycling Team and Casino Filipino.

 In 2006, Vellum signed up to two triathletes in Arland Macasieb and Ani de Leon, while the following year it formed a pro cycling squad that saw action in Padyak Pinoy, the country's biggest professional cycling event. That same year, it sponsored the celebrated endurance athlete Leo Oracion.

As part of its commitment to the development of triathlon in the Philippines, Vellum inked a pact with Australian pro triathlete Dan Brown, a 15-time Ironman who placed eighth in the Hawaii Ultra Man Championships - a lung-busting contest that covers 10-kilometer swim, 421K bike and 84K run.

Aside from that, Aldeguer said they are also sponsoring, the Fish 18 Sports.

"We are very excited with the recent signing of Dan Brown. He is a very accomplished athlete and to have him ride the Vellum Uno wil be something we could look forward to," said Aldeguer.

Brown, the current coach of the Phl Triathlon Team, is similarly ecstatic being part of the Vellum family.

"I'm very excited to be involved with Vellum. It has great prospects for the future. The company has a good reputation and I hope I can help them market the brand into the future as well. The Vellum Uno looks excellent. I was initially very impressed by how aggressive the frame geometry looks," said Brown.

Brown, who is married to one of Phl's top female triathletes Ani de Leon, will put to test his Vellum bike for the first time when he competes in the Ironman 70.3 in Singapore on March 18.

Aside from Singapore, Brown will also see action in the other legs of this year's Ironman series that include in Melbourne on March 25, Australia on May 6, here in Cebu on August 5 and Taiwan in November.

If his time permits, Brown said he plans to put up a triathlon training camp here in Cebu.  (FREEMAN)