Tampa Bay, FL (December 19, 2008) - Ironman is pleased to announce its new licensing deal with Ceepo, a triathlon-focused bicycle company recognized for its innovative designs. The agreement establishes Ceepo as the “Official Bicycle Partner” via a multi-year global licensing deal, with new branded product available beginning January 2009. Additional models, such as the Ironman “Viper” will be released late Spring, with the Ironman “Katana” to follow in Summer.
"As a 14-time Ironman finisher, I recognize Ironman’s brand recognition in the sport of triathlon and worldwide. It was a goal of mine to partner with Ironman and I am thrilled that we will be working together in the coming year. I look forward to a successful journey ahead," says Ceepo President, Joe Tanaka.
CEEPO was formed in Aichi, Japan in 2002 with the primary goal of constructing only the highest grade of bicycle carbon frames, specifically designed for athletes competing in non-drafting triathlon races. The company has grown rapidly, under the leadership of Nobuyuki Tanaka, its founder and Chief Executive Officer. The CEEPO brand has become a household name in Japan where it remains the market leader. In 2007, CEEPO International was launched and now has distribution channels on five continents. The current Ceepo frames known as Venom, Killer and Stinger will be supplemented in 2009 by the Ironman “Viper” and Ironman “Katana” models.
"Partnering with Ceepo was attractive to us because of their advanced aerodynamic platforms and the quality of their bikes," stated Director of Sponsorship and Licensing for Ironman, Andy Giancola.
World Triathlon Corporation, owners of the Ironman brand, is a Florida-based company recognized for athletic excellence, performance and quality products. With the addition of the Ironman 70.3 Series launched in early 2006, Ironman now has more than 50 qualifying events worldwide. Supported by partners that include Ford Motor Company, Timex and Gatorade, Ironman is the No.1 user-based sports brand in the world. Ironman has been a respected name in triathlon since its inception more than 30 years ago and is regarded as the world’s most challenging endurance event. Each year, more than 90,000 athletes compete for slots in the Ford Ironman World Championship held every October in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, and the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 held every November in Clearwater, FL. Both World Championship events are broadcast on NBC and boast 14 Emmy Awards to date.
To learn more about Ceepo, visit www.ceepo.com. For additional Ironman information, log on to Ironman.com.
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