Europcar boss announces name of new title sponsor

Direct Energie will replace Europcar as title sponsor of the French Pro Continental team in 2016

26 July 2015
102nd Tour de France
Stage 21 : Sevres - Paris Champs-Elysees
ROLLAND Pierre (FRA) Europcar
GAUTIER Cyril (FRA) Europcar
Photo : Yuzuru SUNADA

(Image credit: Yuzuru SUNADA)

Europcar's future for the 2016 season is secure as manager Jean-Rene Bernaudeau announced Direct Energie would replace the car hire company as the team's title sponsor next year.

Direct Energie is France and Belgium's third largest energy supplier and will bring its distinctive yellow branding to the cycling team next year, a departure from the green jerseys of the past five seasons.

"I chose Direct Energie because I wanted a partner that would be seduced by the long-lasting work I led for the training of riders. I am convinced that Direct Energy Cycling team will surprise and bring good vibes to the peloton thanks to its ‘panache' and fighting spirit,” Bernaudeau said.

Watch the best bits of the 2015 Tour de France

With the sponsor secured, Bernaudeau will be able to start rebuilding his squad, which has already seen leading riders Cyril Gautier (Ag2r La Mondiale) and Pierre Rolland (Cannondale-Garmin) seek alternative employment for next year.

Veteran Thomas Voeckler will return for 2016, while the team announced on Tuesday that three-time French time trial champion Sylvain Chavanel would be joining the team from IAM Cycling.

Xavier Caïtucoli, CEO of Direct Energie, said “This is a real pride for Direct Energie and its staff to become sponsor of this team benefiting from popular support in France. Choosing pro cycling is natural to us as we share common values such as proximity, enthusiasm and taste for effort. And we are both challengers.”

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Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.