Show them the money

23 January 2012 | 0:00 - By Anthony Tan

The time is ripe for corporate Australia to show GreenEDGE the money, writes Anthony Tan in Adelaide.

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Anthony Tan says GreenEDGE have already proved at the Tour Down Under what a worthwhile investment they would be for any prospective sponsor. (Getty)

Gerry Ryan says his investment in GreenEDGE is “the biggest commitment I’ve ever made in sports”.

Following Simon Gerrans’ victory at the 2012 Santos Tour Down Under, his investment has, at least metaphorically speaking, turned a profit.

“For us, as an Aussie team to win here, it’s huge … it’s huge,” GreenEDGE sport director at the TDU Matthew White said.

“It’s great for Gerry, great for everyone. We’re looking for a sponsor. It’s one thing selling an idea – now we’ve become a team. And now we’re a successful team.”

There could have been no other winner. Gerrans was the best rider in the race.
Afterwards, he told me that never has he been in such good condition at this time of year. He understood the importance of not just securing the national road championship, but also the first WorldTour race on home soil – then established a game plan to give himself the best possible chance of winning both.

Those unforgiving, unrelenting kilometres he accrued in the off-season, rain, hail or shine, paid off big-time.

Last Saturday, when we saw him ascend like an angel with the unrepentant Alejandro Valverde up Old Willunga Hill, perhaps he was the only one not surprised at his climbing prowess, going toe-to-toe with someone who once beat Lance Armstrong to the ski resort of Courchevel at the 2005 Tour de France.

Coupled with selfless teamwork and clever tactics by White, GreenEDGE now head to Europe with two out of two boxes ticked and a not insignificant weight of expectation off their shoulders.

It’s therefore now time for prospective Australian sponsors to step up.

In their maiden voyage, there will only be one year, one time, and one place, where they can become part of this intoxicatingly stirring history-making process, as the GreenEDGE posse head inexorably closer to the month of July and a ground-breaking start at La Grande Boucle.

Said Ryan: “One thing about Australians… That Aussie spirit – even though we’re an international team, Australian licence – you can’t beat that Aussie spirit and guts.”

Surely, that counts for something. Surely, that’s worth backing.

C’mon, corporate Australia, we need you, because now more than ever, it’s time to lend GreenEDGE a helping hand.

“I’m sure I will get the success (from my investment) long-term,” said Ryan.
Let’s hope he’s right.

Twitter: @anthony_tan

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Comments (9)

03 Feb 2012 17:08 AEST

LMH5

From:

Perhaps they don't sell their products in Europe, but I wouldn't know either way.

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31 Jan 2012 9:15 AEST

Matt

From: Sydney

Why wouldn't Jayco (considering Gerry Ryan's the principal backer anyway) become the naming rights sponsor? Major European exposure for a product that people would use for travelling holidays around the continent. Seems like a good deal to me?

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30 Jan 2012 21:32 AEST

Bender

From: The Future

One woman who should be paid more than most men is Marianne Vos. Not since Merckx has a male rider been so complete, versatile and dominate in so many forms of the sport as Vos currently is.

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28 Jan 2012 17:11 AEST

jane

From: bondi

Both the greenedge guys and gals should be very proud of the start to of their maiden season. Boy the mens team were under some scrutiny to perform and they certainly did. All the best to all when you race again, who would have thought an Aussie team at this level being succesful so quickly. Next stop Europe and obtaining a major financial backer.

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27 Jan 2012 14:19 AEST

Corporate Hack

From: Brisbane

Its a shame that our top ten companies dont support Greenedge - where are you BHP, Woolies, NAB, Coles, CBA, ANZ, RIO, Westpac, Telstra and Caltex - all of these companies have over 19Billion in revenue - how about supporting GreenEdge on behalf of all Austraians - who are your staff, customers and help Australia shine - this is the best chance we have had yet - would be great to secure some long term high value funding for this team.

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26 Jan 2012 9:27 AEST

Mike

From: Sydney

The women should not be on par with the men's team. Not sexist, it's a true statement. Are you supporting equality in pay in the WNBA? Or what about womens cricket/soccer/football/golf etc etc. Men's sports attract bigger audiences which results in bigger sponsors. To then subsidize the womens sports in what can only be described as a moral standpoint from you, is downright reckless.

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25 Jan 2012 22:40 AEST

GEdge Domestiq

From: Beverly Hills

Thomo, I second that! The Tan man has been on absolute Fire of late Speaking of Corporate, is there a book in the wings Anthony??? There might be some good stories there for those cold winter nights watching the TDF (just a thought)...With the human powered sport (leisure/commute) of cycling and a team name like Greenedge & the fact that the world is supposed to be moving to a cleaner Greener economy, before it's all too late (yes I'm a glass half empty man myself), it's a NO BRAINER!

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25 Jan 2012 14:25 AEST

Fred

From: Melbourne

You would think Gerry Ryan would have enough contacts for sponsorship. How about Viscount Caravans

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24 Jan 2012 21:23 AEST

M. Tomolaris

From: Sydney

Yes, come on Corporate Australia, support the women's Green Edge team, so their salaries are on a par with what the men are currently earning. Another great article Tan man.

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