The Pro’s Closet Sponsors Elite Women’s Zwift Team
New sponsorship brings more visibility, opportunities to women’s racing
(Boulder, CO – July 21, 2020) – The Pro’s Closet, the world’s largest and most trusted brand in pre-owned cycling gear, today announces the addition of a women’s roster to their successful Saris + The Pro’s Closet elite Zwift eRacing team. With events like the Virtual Tour de France and Virtual Tour of the Gila showcasing the rapid growth of eRacing, The Pro’s Closet aims to support women’s cycling at the highest levels.
“It’s exciting to see eSports leading the way with parity in cycling,” said Jenn Real, 2019 Zwift USA National Championships silver medalist and Saris + The Pro’s Closet team manager. “As we see equal coverage and access for women’s teams in the virtual world, it’s becoming apparent that eSports can positively impact racing in the real world.”
Ten new elite female racers from across the globe will be added to the Saris + The Pro’s Closet team, including Christie Tracy, 2019 USAC USA Masters National TT Champion, and newcomer Shanni Berger from the Israeli National Team. The women’s team kicked off their virtual season with a strong 2nd place result in the Team Time Trial at the Virtual Tour of the Gila.
“The value placed on equal opportunity and coverage for women’s racing in eSports was a major motivation behind introducing our first virtual race team,’ said Matt Heitmann, Chief Marketing Officer at The Pro’s Closet. “It’s going to be a big season for the entire STPC team, and we look forward to what the future entails.”
The recent addition brings the Saris + The Pro’s Closet team to a total of 22 racers, featuring some of best racers on Zwift, including Holden Comeau, Zwift National Champion and Rally Cycling’s virtual racing coach, and Caroline Murray who is currently the 4th ranked female racer on Zwift.
“One of my biggest goals with this team is to help develop the sport of eRacing,” said Real. “It’s a new sport that’s changing and moving forward every day, creating new opportunities in areas where traditional racing has struggled. We look forward to helping shape the future of eSports.”
The Saris + Pro’s Closet team is gearing up for a prominent showing at their next major race, which will be the Virtual Tour De Boudicca, an all-women’s three-day stage race taking place July 24-26.
About The Pro’s Closet
The Pro’s Closet Inc. (TPC) is the world’s largest and most trusted brand for pre-owned bikes. TPC purchases new and pre-owned bikes and accessories from manufacturers, retailers, and individuals. Each bike undergoes a rigorous Certified Pre-Owned inspection and top-to-bottom service to ensure every bike is delivered in next-to-new condition. An innovative Buyback Guarantee gives customers full transparency by offering guaranteed trade-in values for 18 months after purchase. With nearly 900 bikes to choose from, The Pro’s Closet offers the world’s largest and most diverse selection of high-quality road, mountain, gravel, cyclocross, triathlon, and e-bikes. For information on The Pro’s Closet, visit www.theproscloset.com.