The VPACE Kids Cup has been around for quite a while now and has become a firm favourite for the little ones in the mountain bike racing world. It was announced at the end of last year that the title sponsor is still on board. Now it's time to introduce the other partners as well.

Promoting young talent is important, but it is often difficult to realise this in a proper way. It has long been clear that the age of entry in the downhill sport is getting younger and younger and anyone who has ever looked at the kids in the bike park will have seen that the level is extremely high. For a long time, the PROPAIN Rookies Cup was the entry-level programme and the very first racing experience for young riders. But at some point it became clear that it would make sense to offer something even before that, something that represents the competitive character in a more playful way. The idea of the Kids Cup was born and quickly brought to life in cooperation with the MTB Agency. After the initial difficulties during the coronavirus period, the series was able to kick off in 2022 and become more and more established.

After the contract with the title-giving company VPACE was extended at the end of last season, thus ensuring the continuation of the series, further partners were found to support the project. As a result, there are now additional sponsors that we would like to introduce to you.

MAXXIS Tires

First and foremost, and already mentioned in an earlier news item, MAXXIS will expand its commitment and, in addition to the iXS Downhill Cup and PROPAIN Rookies Cup series, will now also actively support the very youngest riders. The tyre manufacturer and its importer Bikemarketing has been a partner in the major series for more than a decade, so it is all the more pleasing that the Augsburg-based company is not only maintaining this continuity, but is even more committed to promoting young talent.

It all started with bicycle tyres more than 55 years ago, and today MAXXIS is the largest bicycle tyre manufacturer in the world. Founded in 2002, Bikemarketing BMG GmbH is now the strongest retail partner of the MAXXIS brand in Europe.

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GOBI – Die Gothaer Bildung (private educational society)

Another partner that stands out from the usual portfolio is Gothaer Bildungsgesellschaft. Normally, the supporters come from the bike industry, but this example shows that things can be done differently. Those responsible at the non-profit sponsor of two general and one vocational school have recognized the passion of those involved in the Kids Cup and think it is simply worth supporting. And, of course, we are also happy to draw attention to GOBI's offer, because such educational institutions are something special.

Gothaer Bildungsgesellschaft mbH is a non-profit organization that runs two general education schools and one vocational school with a great vision. Helping to shape the future is a desired and practiced corporate philosophy. The schools in Erfurt, Gotha and Emleben combine state-of-the-art learning methods, experienced lecturers and personal support.

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This is how school works... in the future.

SR SUNTOUR

Last year, suspension specialist SR SUNTOUR joined the family of racing series organised by Racement. It was clear from the outset that this would be a long-term partnership and that the commitment would be extended in the future. And indeed, with our request to support the Kids Cup we knocked down open doors at the Taiwan-based company. This means that SR SUNTOUR is now a partner in all three racing series and will gain recognition and reputation as a result. Anyone who is about to make a purchase decision should also consider what the respective brands on offer do for the sport and take these arguments into account. After all, one thing is certain: the quality and technology of the products is leading.

In 2023, SR SUNTOUR celebrated 35 years in the bicycle industry. They have specialised R&D facilities in Germany, France and Italy and have established an extensive network of sales and service centres throughout Europe and North America.

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The new season is now ready to get underway and, with six races, it is set to demand a lot from the youngsters and their parents in particular. We are looking forward to the premiere in Farchant and are excited to see what awaits the kids at the new location.