Holczer to trade water for gummi bears?

Hans-Michael Holczer may find it easier than expected to find a new sponsor for his team. According to the Kölner Express, the team may be wearing 'Gummi Bear' trikots next season.

The newspaper says that Haribo, the maker of Gummi Bears and many other candies, is interested in sponsoring the team after its sponsorship contract with Gerolsteiner Brunnen expires the end of 2008. However, Haribo spokesman Marco Alfter told the paper, "Cycling is not a theme for us. But Haribo France is very much involved in cycling." Haribo France sponsored the one-day race Haribo Classic from 1994 to 2006, and has one of the largest vehicles in the Tour de France's advertising caravan.

Another possibility is said to be SAP AG, the largest European software company, and third largest in the world. It is based in Walldorf, Germany, and sponsors the minor league soccer team TSG Hoffenheim and the Adler Mannheim ice hockey team.

Holczer would not disclose details, but said, "It is astounding how many requests have reached me, especially from outside of Germany. But we have to hold a lot of discussions, and then maybe we will have a contract in the end."