November 25, 2002 – The Swiss cycling apparel firm Assos of Switzerland and the Swiss Cycling Federation has signed a 4 year sponsorship agreement, with Assos becoming a partner and supplier of all technical & leisure wear for the Swiss Cycling Federation.
This is the first time since 1996 Assos has sponsored a national federation. “We are very proud to be partners of the Swiss Cycling Federation,” said Assos President Roche Maier. “Assos is a Swiss company, so it's a natural fit for us. We are are very proud to be a partner of the Swiss Cycling Federation.”
Assos last sponsored a national team in 1995, when the San Pietro di Stabio based apparel manufacturer concluded their sponsorship of the Italian Cycling Federation. “We have also sponsored many other national teams,” added Maier. “From the USA to the former Czechoslovakia, Colombia, so it's nothing new for us. A Swiss Cycling official was nothing but positive about Assos. “Everything is perfect; the quality, the cut, the comfort.”
Since this past summer, the familiar “flying A” logo of Assos has been appearing on the Swiss national team jersey, with it's unmistakable white cross and distinctive new edelweiss trim on the sleeves. Swiss national team riders are using Assos's innovative new FI.13 bib shorts with the revolutionary Elastic Interface short insert.
It didn't take long for a win for the Swiss National Team once they were using Assos. In early August, 21 year old Michael Albasini rode to a dramatic win in the European U23 championships in Bergamo, Italy. Albasini followed this win up by another major victory wearing the Swiss National Team apparal by Assos. At the Transalsace Stage Race in mid-August, Albasini won both the Points Competition and Stage 4 to Ferrette, featuring the fearsome “Mur du Ferrette.” Albasini was recently awarded the prestigious Mendrisio d'Argento Prize and will turn pro next season for Phonak.
Soon after Albasin's exploits, it was early September and time for the Swiss National Team to tackle the 2002 World Mountain Bike Championships in Kaprun, Austria. First Swiss rider to medal in Kaprun. was U-23 cross country rider Ralph Nif, who took the silver medal in a breakout performance. And once again, the amazing Thomas Frischknecht had great ride on a terrible day muddy rainy to take the bronze medal in the Elite Men's Cross-Country.
In early October, Nicole Brandli had a great performance in Zolder, Belgium at the World Championships for the Swiss National Womnen's Team. The 21 year old Brandli was runner-up in the Time Trial and then a suprising silver medallist in the Elite Women's Road race. Brandli is a superb climber, but she excelled in the flat, fast circuit. Her comfort was assured as she was using Assos's innovative new FI.Lady bib shorts with the revolutionary Elastic Interface short insert.