The Tour de France is seeking a new partner for one of its major commercial packages after state-controlled betting and gaming operator PMU announced it will withdraw its sponsorship of the cycling race’s green jersey from 2015.
PMU has partnered the Tour de France for 25 years and the sponsorship of the green jersey, which is worn by the rider with the most points after each stage of the grand tour, represents a prime sponsorship designation.
Speaking to radio station France Info, PMU chief executive Xavier Hurstel said that the company will now focus its sports sponsorship efforts on football, horse racing and rugby union.
“We have invested heavily in the green jersey for 25 years and this partnership will stop next year to streamline our investments in other partnerships,” Hurstel explained. “We will reinvest in football, in the image of horse racing and rugby. We (will) normalise our management and it is with this leeway that we will fund new investments in our stores.”
Cannondale’s Peter Sagan won the green jersey competition at the 2014 Tour de France.