The second rest day of the Tour has been a good one in terms of cycling sponsorship. With AG2R La Mondiale announcing the renewal of their sponsorship deal for three additional years, another cycling team has secured its future.

Insurance group AG2R La Mondiale has sponsored a cycling team for 16 years, first under its old name Ag2r, and after a merger with La Mondiale under the new, combined name.

“The partnership with Vincent Lavenu’s cycling team is significant in creating awareness of our brand,” said André Renaudin, general director of the AG2R La Mondiale group. “We are pleased to announce the continuation of our partnership at the 2013 Tour de France, and want to encourage our riders for the upcoming stages.”

AG2R La Mondiale team manager Vincent Lavenu commented: “We are lucky to be supported by a loyal and faithful sponsor who allows us to compete at the highest level. It gives the riders security and calmness and makes them do their best to defend our colours. We welcome the news, and it is obviously a great satisfaction for us.”