Mercedes-Benz Vans is expanding its triathlon sponsorship: while the partnership with triathlon professional Sebastian Kienle is being continued, female triathletes, among them IRONMAN winner Anja Beranek, are being sponsored for the first time. Mercedes-Benz is also continuing its support for TEAM SPORT FOR GOOD, and extending its sponsorship agreement for the IRONMAN European Tour races.
“We have been involved in triathlon since 2014, with the aim of a lasting commitment which we are continuing to expand this year”, says Nicolai Berger, Head of Marketing Communication and Product Information Mercedes-Benz Vans. “Sport and active recreational activities not only play an important role for the triathletes themselves, but also for those close to them, i.e. their families and fans. This is precisely where our products fit perfectly, as they provide space and variability – whether transporting equipment or friends.”
In 2016 Mercedes-Benz Vans is sponsoring female IRONMAN athletes, among them German IRONMAN winner Anja Beranek
In 2016 Mercedes-Benz Vans is also sponsoring female triathletes. Among them Anja Beranek, twice winner of the IRONMAN in 2015, who from now on attends training sessions and competitions in a compact Marco Polo camper van as a new brand ambassador.
“The Marco Polo is a source of energy for me when training and in competitions. My drinks and snacks stay fresh in the refrigerator, I can make a nice, hot cup of coffee on the gas stove, and the comfortable roof bed even allows me to have a power nap when I want,” says Anja Beranek about her new companion.
Apart from Anja Beranek, the two top-class triathletes Åsa Lundström and Kaisa Lehtonen are now likewise representing the Mercedes-Benz brand.
Mercedes-Benz Vans is continuing its partnership with Sebastian Kienle
With the V-Class, Mercedes-Benz Vans is continuing its partnership with European championship runner-up Sebastian Kienle in 2016. Kienle is one of Germany’s most successful triathletes. In 2014 he won the IRONMAN world championship in Hawaii, and in the European championship last year he achieved second place behind Jan Frodeno. So 2016 is to be the year of revenge for Kienle. His goal is to regain the top position.
“I am highly motivated at the start of the new season, and my clear aim is to bring the best out of me. I am very pleased that Mercedes-Benz Vans is continuing to support me with a V-Class”, says Sebastian Kienle about the partnership.
Supported by Mercedes-Benz, TEAM SPORT FOR GOOD is starting the season with a new international team
This year too, TEAM SPORT FOR GOOD is being sponsored by Mercedes-Benz as part of its commitment to triathlon. On behalf of the Laureus Sport for Good foundation, the team collects money which is used to support worldwide social sports projects for children and adolescents. The three German triathlon professionals Timo Bracht, Horst Reichel and Julian Beuchert were already members of the team last year, and in 2016 they are reinforced by Kaisa Lehtonen from Finland and American-born Darby Thomas. This season TEAM SPORT FOR GOOD is also represented by Mercedes DTM driver Daniel Juncadella from Spain and the German DTM legend Manuel Reuter.
Mercedes-Benz Vans is extending its partnership with the IRONMAN European Tour by two years
Mercedes-Benz Vans has already been a partner of the IRONMAN European Tour since 2014. As in the previous years, V-Class vehicles are on hand in 2016 to provide support and shuttle services during competitions. This year Mercedes-Benz Vans is also represented at twelve IRONMAN events with a variety of communication and activation projects. One of them is the IRONMAN European Championship in Frankfurt – the highlight of the European season – held on 3 July.
“The Mercedes-Benz and IRONMAN brands stand for exceptional performance, respect for tradition and endurance. We are very proud that Mercedes-Benz is placing its confidence in us for a further two years. Our experiences over the last years have shown this to be a partnership with full commitment by both parties. We are all the more pleased that we are able to strengthen it further in 2016”, says Hans-Peter Zurbrügg, Managing Director of IRONMAN Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
