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What does Australia’s premier outdoor blind manufacturer have to gain from being at the world’s number one cycling race? Ziptrak Managing Director Marc de Maaijer and Tony de Maaijer reveal all.
“The sight of hundreds of the world’s top cyclists charging through the rolling hills and wineries of South Australia is a spectacle like no other. To see the sweat, the pain, the glory up close as cyclists battle up steep climbs, descend through rolling hills or sprint for the finish is to witness one of Australia’s great sporting events. It’s an incredible display of human drama, and one that’s an honour to be associated with.”
“This is our second year as a Santos Tour Down Under partner and sponsor of the Ziptrak sprint jersey,” says Ziptrak Managing Director Marc de Maaijer. “As a local South Australian business that exports all around the world, it’s great to be involved in an event that brings international athletes to our doorstep.”
“For us, it’s also a celebration of engineering, innovation and performance; and above all, the great Australian outdoor lifestyle. With the ongoing record temperatures this summer, finding ways to safely enjoy the outdoors has become more important than ever. Ziptrak lets families live the outdoor lifestyle by designing track-guided blinds that protect against UV, the sun, wind, as well as rain and insects.”
“Throughout the week of the Santos Tour Down Under we also helped fans stay cool, providing a total 540m² of shade in the Tour village.”
“Once again it’s been fantastic to be a part of the Santos Tour Down Under. Cycling fans are some of the most passionate on the planet and it’s been great to soak up the carnival atmosphere, sharing the action.”
“Our decision last year to get involved and support a truly international sporting event here on our home turf was too good to pass up, and we’re even more passionate about it in 2020 – what an incredible finish to the race it was this year. The Santos Tour Down Under not only embodies the spirit and values of the Aussie lifestyle but also promotes the beautiful region of South Australia. I should add that the support we get from the South Australia Tourism Commission (SATC) is incredible. They work unbelievably hard to support every stage of the race.”
“Being official sponsor of the Ziptrak sprint jersey has led to some positive outcomes for our family-run business. After last year, clients started coming in wearing the Ziptrak branded cap, asking about the next race,” said de Maaijer. It has also helped to drive innovation at Ziptrak and led to further opportunities to support sport in South Australia, including the Women’s cricket Big Bash League and the Superloop Adelaide 500.”
Tony de Maaijer, who created Ziptrak 20 years ago with his wife Gustie, commented:
“It’s been an absolute delight to get involved with the Santos Tour Down Under. The sport is such a good fit for what we’re trying to achieve in business, always striving for better.”
“What excites me are the improvements we still come up with that make our customers happy, allowing them to expand their outdoor space, protected from the sun and harsh elements. Today, our role is more important than ever.”
Taking place from 21 to 26 January, The Santos Tour Down Under is a cycling race in and around Adelaide, South Australia, and is the opening event of elite road cycling event the UCI World Tour.
