“Silly Season” is upon the mtb world in a big way right now. What am I talking about? I am talking about the time of the year that all the teams and all the athletes start hunting for, negotiating, and securing contracts for next year’s MTB season. Switching teams, looking for better contracts, and/or trying to find the proper fit for athlete’s goals is the name of the game right now.

No doubt about it; it is tough out there, meaning that in the world of mountain bike racing there are not a lot of doors opening. Given the state of our country’s financial crisis, this is to be expected as marketing dollars are usually the first to be slashed. Most of the MTB world saw it coming but that it doesn’t make it any easier. That means you won’t find too many teams expanding their current sponsorship programs to support an athlete’s endeavors to crawl up on the podium in 09, but there are still opportunities out there!

It has always been equally tough for both men and women to get sponsorship, but this year is exceptionally challenging. The good news is that, surprisingly, sponsorship is still out there on many levels from grassroots to pro. In order to find sponsorship you always need to be actively looking, listening and reacting, so that nothing slips through the cracks. Here are some tips for finding the best sponsor for your next MTB season:


1.Determine your objectives, goals and needs:

· Will you be competing at a few single events or full time?

· Are you looking for a team sponsorship or individual sponsorship?

· Do you need product; and if so what exactly?

· Do you need money? If so set a budget.


2.Have a race resume including:

· Introduction

· Race results (past 2 years)

· Achievements and awards

· Tentative race schedule

· Media (photos, magazine and newspaper articles, video, etc.)


3.Make a contact list for all products and/or teams you are interested in endorsing to include:

· Web address

· Contact name (this may take some sleuthing)

· Physical address

· Phone number

· Email address


4.Make that first initial contact (via phone, email, website, snail mail)

· You will want to contact the marketing managers for your favorite companies.

· Team managers will be your best bet for teams.

· And don’t forget your local bike shops!


5. Follow up! Follow up! Follow up!


Good luck next year. See you out there!

Kathy Sherwin
Velo Bella – Kona Elite Cyclocross Team