UCI unveils new World Cup sponsor

The UCI announced a new title sponsor for the Mountain Bike World Cup. The Nissan UCI Mountain Bike World Cup presented by Shimano will see 11 total events across 10 countries during 2007. The World Cup covers the disciplines of marathon, cross-country, downhill, and four cross.

The partnership hopes the high profile World Cup events will attract a global television audience that will encourage mountain biking development across all levels.

"Mountain biking is a modern and dynamic discipline with an attractive image and enormous potential," said UCI President Pat McQuaid. "Thanks to the joint efforts of Nissan and the UCI, everyone associated with mountain biking will see fantastic progress in the years to come."

Darren Cox, European Brand Manager for Nissan said, "Nissan has historically supported adventurous activity, but now we are stepping up a gear...we hope to inspire adventure spirited people throughout Europe." Nissan has a history of involvement with adventures sports; they have been sponsoring the popular international XTERRA off-road triathlon series for years.

Under the new agreement, Nissan's sponsorship is good through 2009. The first round of the World Cup series kicks off this weekend with the cross-country marathon on March 17 in Gran Canaria, Spain.