I heard from Debra Ponzio the AF Cycling Team Manager, but here it is from the horse's mouth...
http://www.airborne.net/eready/janette/afcycling.asp
Airborne Sponsors U.S. Armed Forces Cycling
U.S. Armed Forces Cycling has partnered with Airborne bikes in a deal that will put the elite team on world-class, titanium bikes for the 2004 season and will benefit all military people with a special discount program.
In a commercial sponsorship agreement with bike manufacturer Airborne, U.S. Armed Forces Team athletes will be provided an Airborne bike. According to Armed Forces Cycling manager, Debra Ponzio, "This is a ground-breaking partnership because it doesn't just benefit our elite team but the entire military". Ponzio is referring to the arrangement with Airborne to sell bikes at a 30% discount to everyone in the active duty and retired military - reserve and national guard.
Airborne has a natural tie to the military. The owner of the company, Jamie Raddin, named the company in honor of his grandfather who served as a U.S. Air Force pilot in World War II. Bike models are typically named with a military theme. Raddin looks forward to working with military cyclists, "Airborne is excited to supply the Armed Forces Team with bikes. The team reflects the same type of quality and professionalism that is our trademark at Airborne."
Airborne produces titanium road, track, time trial, cross and mountain bikes. The complete selection can be seen on their website,
www.airborne.net.
Ponzio added, "This translates into big savings for eligible customers. Owning a titanium bike is only a dream for many cyclists. The discount program with Airborne makes owning a professional-quality bicycle a reality for anyone."
U.S. Armed Forces team leader, Coast Guard's Steve Mlujeak, took delivery of the first team bike for the September Armed Forces Team trip Europe. When asked about the bike, Steve said, "It is great to have the opportunity to race such a well crafted bike," and added, "The Torch is one of the best handling frames I have ever ridden."
Military customers who are interested in the Airborne military discount program can check out the options and purchase items on the Airborne website at
www.Airborne.net or call 1-888-243-8717 for more details or to place an order.
The U.S. Armed Forces Cycling Team is made up of professional military men and women from all branches of service. Team members, all USCF Category 1 racers, compete in local, national and international races as their military schedules permit. Corporate sponsors currently include Airborne, AT&T, Verge Sport and Psycho Lube.
For more information about Armed Forces Cycling or to sign up for the Armed Forces Cycling email list, email Ponzio at
Debra.Ponzio@sembach.af.mil
No federal endorsement of sponsor(s) intended.
Good deal, eh?!!
Dave