January 21, 2007 – The Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), which runs the Tour de France, has apparently licensed Iron Horse Bicycles to use the TdF marque on its bicycles, according to the British website, Bike Biz. Iron Horse is owned by World Wide Cycle Supply, based in Islandia, NY. The value of this transaction was not revealed.

The licensing deal was handled by MODA International Marketing, a New York-based licensing bureau. In late 2006, The Tour de France named MODA as the exclusive licensing agency for the U.S.A., Canada, Mexico and Brazil.

According to the report Michelle Alfandari, the president and founder of MODA said that: “World Wide Cycle Supply is a company that has a passion for the sport and a deep understanding of the Tour. They are a proven entity being in the business for 12 years while building a reputation with their Iron Horse brand. Their product development acumen will ensure that Le Tour de France branded bicycles will be unique not just in the branding, but in the design of the bikes themselves.”

World Wide Cycle Supply president, Stew Barnett commented that the TdF name provides his company with a brand that has worldwide acclaim. He also said that cycling is a sporting activity that promotes a healthy lifestyle and respects the environment.

Iron Horse Bike’s website, www.ironhorsebikes.com, identifies its current product line to include: freeride, all mountain, trail, recreational xc, pavement/comfort, ladies, and commuter bicycles. Road bikes are not mentioned among the current products sold.

Greg Miller, director of licensing of MODA indicated that licensing of the Tour de France brand could be extended to other product categories, such as helmets, bicycle accessories, bike racks, and apparel accessories.