Belkin to withdraw as cycling sponsor at year’s end

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AFP) — Consumer electronics company Belkin will end its sponsorship of the top Dutch professional cycling team at the end of this year, the team announced on Tuesday.

“By the end of 2014 Belkin will exit as the title sponsor of the team. The Belkin Pro Cycling team will start an immediate search for a new title sponsor,” a statement read.

Belkin took over sponsorship of the Dutch team in mid-2013, replacing longtime sponsor Rabobank, who became disgruntled with the climate of doping in the sport.

The company said that it had taken up a role in cycling to promote its products in Europe where cycling is strongest, but that now it wanted to switch to a more international approach.

The current Belkin lineup includes Lars Boom, Laurens ten Dam, Robert Gesink, Jonathan Hivert, Bauke Mollema, Maarten Tjallingii, Sep Vanmarke, Lars Peter Nordhaug, and Juan Manuel Garate.