Red Bull has already been sponsoring individual athletes in cycling for a few years but today it becomes a bigger part of of the sport. The massive sports drink brand is one of the most recognizable in all of sports.
A statement from the Federal Competition Authority confirms this. "Indirect acquisition of a controlling interests of 51% in RD pro cycling GmbH & Co KG and RD Beteiligungs GmbH (owner of the professional road cycling team BORA-hansgrohe), both Germany, by Red Bull GmbH, Austria." The Austrian brand was said to have a big influence on the signing of Primoz Roglic, more specifically in the team's budget possibilities, and will now become a bigger part of the project.
It is noteworthy that currently, the team has on board Anton Palzer and frequently hosts training camps in Austria. There was already connection between the team and the international brand, and today that grows.
Why am I not surprised?
Hopefully a good sign for the sport. That cycling can't monetize much of its viewership will always be a problem, and big sponsors are apparently the only alternative. As the drama with Vlab and Soudal showed quite clearly, there are no certainties in any of this.
Will be interesting to see how this plays out with Wout and Pidcock.