After weeks of speculation, the Belkin team has secured its future. Lotto and BrandLoyalty have signed a declaration of intent to work together in support of the biggest Dutch cycling and speed skating teams.

The Belkin Pro Cycling TEAM and speed skating team BrandLoyalty have signed a formal declaration of intent with Lotto, part of De Lotto, and BrandLoyalty today. With this, the Dutch Lottery and the company that creates and develops loyalty programs publicly declare their ambition to become the title sponsor and sub sponsor, of the cycling team, as well as the speed skating team.

According to Arno de Jong, Marketing Director of De Lotto, the collaboration with speed skating coach Jac Orie’s team and Richard Plugge’s cycling team is a unique thing in the Dutch sports world.

“We aspire a collaboration of two years, with the option to add another two years. This would make Lotto the name giver of the first combined cycling – speed skating team. We are currently working on the details. Everything is focused on Lotto and BrandLoyalty joining forces to make sure the first professional speed skating- cycling team will start next season.”
 

Marco van Bilsen, Marketing Director BrandLoyalty: “BrandLoyalty has always declared its intention to support Jac Orie’s speed skating team for a longer period of time. Next to this, it was a common goal to create a model that would provide more security and continuity. This was a reason for BrandLoyalty to make room for this unique construction.”

The teams will remain separated when it comes to the sportive aspects. Speed skating coach Jac Orie will maintain his staff and the same goes for General Director Richard Plugge of the Belkin Pro Cycling TEAM.

De Jong: “With this construction, the teams can collaborate organizationally as well as commercially and the collaboration can lead to the transmission of knowledge between the teams, which will ultimately lead to an optimal facilitation of the athletes.”

Orie as well as Plugge are pleased with the collaboration.

Orie: “After a period of intense conversations we have found a foundation for a unique and highly interesting concept in Dutch sports. We will use the upcoming months to work out all the details.”

Plugge: “With this collaboration we will expand our vision of the team. During the Tour de France we have worked together as a team to bring cycling back to where it belongs: in the hearts of the fans! This unique concept brings Holland’s biggest high endurance sports together. Our team is looking forward to the start of this unique collaboration.”

At this moment, Lotto and BrandLoyalty will not make any statements on the name of the new team, the colors, which riders will join the team and the budget that will be available.

Arno de Jong of De Lotto: “Starting today, we will work out the last details. Once everything is settled, we will organize a press moment together.”