New sponsor for Midland cycle club

May 27 2008 By Jane Tyler

ONE of the Midlands' most successful cycling clubs now has a new sponsor, thanks to the Birmingham Mail.

Businessman Mike Di-Vito has given a "generous" amount to Halesowen Athletic and Cycling Club’s road racing team.

It means the newly-formed squad can aim to emulate the success of its junior track cyclists.

The club currently boasts seven national junior champions - more than any other in the UK - with several young riders being tipped to represent Britain in the 2012 Olympics. Mr Di-Vito, managing director of castings firm Wood and Liones Ltd, in London, responded to an appeal in the Mail earlier this year to become a club sponsor.

As well as sponsoring the team’s kit, his money will also cover some of their costs for travelling around the country competing in road races and time trials.

Pete Baker, of Halesowen Athletic and Cycling Club, said: "When our juniors’ success was featured in the Birmingham Mail we also made an appeal for a local sponsor to help with our costs. Mr Di-Vito read that and came forward. He did it, because he’s a keen cyclist and wanted to put something back into the sport.

"His money will help our road team take their competing up to the next level."