Sky’s partnership with British Cycling was last night recognised in the ‘Best Sponsorship of a Sports Team’ category at the BT Sport Industry Awards for its support of Great Britain’s Cycling Team in 2012.

Making the award, the judges cited the ‘synergy’ between Sky and British Cycling as well as the breadth of support Sky has delivered as Principal Partner to British Cycling. The partnership encompasses cycling at the grassroots right through to the successes of Team GB cyclists at London 2012.

Sky’s partnership with British Cycling was formed in 2008 with ambitious targets to get one million more people cycling regularly and to produce the first overall British winner of the Tour de France. Both parties renewed the relationship for a further four years in 2012 having achieved both of these challenging targets ahead of time.

Robert Tansey, Director, Sky Sports, commented: "Inspiring people through the power of sport has been central to Sky from the very beginning. That’s why it’s particularly satisfying to get recognition for a partnership that is helping to encourage greater participation in cycling, not just on the track but where it really matters, on Britain’s streets. We’re thrilled that the partnership between Sky and British Cycling has been honoured at these prestigious industry awards."

Director of Cycling Tricia Thompson and gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy received the award from F1 drivers Max Chilton and Susie Wolff. British Cycling also took home the Governing Body of the Year award.

Commenting on the event, Nick Keller, chairman of the Sport Industry Group, said: "2012 was defined by its narrow margins, and the same can be said for this year’s BT Sport Industry Awards. This great industry continues to give our esteemed judging panel a tough day, with the quality of work produced astonishing us year on year. To be on the shortlist for the BT Sport Industry Awards is a stellar achievement in itself, and to triumph from this elite group is evidence of simply staggering work. Our congratulations go to the entire shortlist, and all the winners, as well as our thanks to every member of this industry for the part in a year that will be talked about for generations to come."

The 2013 BT Sport Industry Awards took place at London’s Battersea Evolution on Thursday 2nd May 2013.

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For further information:

Clara Eldridge, Corporate Communications
clara.eldridge@bskyb.com

For more information on Sky’s partnership with British Cycling, please click here.

For more information on Sky’s Bigger Picture activities please visit click here. 

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