Brussels, Belgium, July 10, 2023 – Seattle based law firm Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP announced an extension of its sponsorship deal with the Axeon Cycling Team for an additional three year term. The extension will run through the 2026 racing season. Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP have title sponsored the team, owned and run by Axel Merckx, since 2016. In addition, Australian-based company, Jayco, have signed on to become Co-Title Sponsor beginning in 2024.
“We are so excited about this renewal,” commented team owner Axel Merckx. “There is no company more committed to the future of cycling than Hagens Berman. Steve Berman has proven his commitment over the years and continues to show it with this renewed sponsorship. In addition we are very excited to welcome our new partner, Jayco, who has already historically proven its belief in cycling with their current and past sponsorships.”
Founded in 2009, the Axeon program has become widely known as the top developer of youth talent in cycling, now in its 15th racing season. The program has seen 45 riders graduate to the UCI WorldTour ranks. The current iteration of Hagens Berman Axeon consists of 13 riders from around the world. The team will compete in an extensive schedule of professional cycling races worldwide in 2024. Over the years, the program has had various iterations, with Hagens Berman being the longest standing sponsor in its seventh year. “We believe in what Axel and the program are doing for the future of the sport,” said Hagens Berman founder and Managing Partner Steve Berman. “We believe the future lies in youth development and we will continue to put our resources towards this important program.”
Jayco, owned by Australian businessman Gerry Ryan, is title sponsor of current WorldTour squad Team Jayco AlUla. Jayco continues to invest in the development of cycling, and this new partnership with Axeon Cycling Team demonstrates the importance the company places on being involved in the advancement of the next generation of cyclists.
“We are thrilled to be able to share the news of our partnership with the Axeon Cycling Team,” Gerry Ryan, Jayco owner and founder explained. “Since my very first conversation with Axel Merckx, I knew it would be a great project to be involved in. The philosophy, ethics, and way the team operates is something that aligns well with our beliefs, and by coming together we can create a strong connection and pathway into the WorldTour. We believe it will have a big impact on the successful development of the next generation of riders. It is an inspiring three-year project, and we are proud to be able to assist Axel with the growth of this incredible and important team that he has created and developed over the years. The names of riders that we have seen come up through this team over the years – including Lawson Craddock and Eddie Dunbar, who are now riding for Team Jayco AlUla – is testament to the hard work and success that the team has had in creating the future of cycling.”
About Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs’ rights complex litigation law firm with a tenacious drive for achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and fraud. Since its founding in 1993, the firm’s determination has earned it numerous national accolades, awards and titles of “Most Feared Plaintiff’s Firm,” MVPs and Trailblazers of class-action law. More about the law firm and its successes can be found at www.hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.
About Axeon Cycling Founded in 2009, Axeon Cycling has developed 108 riders and graduated 45 to the World Tour. The team is owned and managed by former professional cyclist Axel Merckx.
