Pic by Phil O’Connor www.sportivephoto.com

French wheel and component manufacturers Mavic have signed up as partners with the 2009 Dragon Ride Wales, which takes place on Sunday 14th June.

Mavic will bring their legendary Service Course vehicles to south Wales and will provide support both on-the-road and in the event start village.

While Mavic components and wheels have carried riders such as Greg LeMond and Sean Kelly to victory in some of the biggest cycle races in the world, for over 30 years the French company has provided neutral support at major events including the Tour de France.

In 1972, Bruno Gormand gave up his Mavic car to a stricken team manager during that year’s Dauphine Libere and the idea for Mavic Service Course was born. Since then, Mavic-liveried vehicles have become a fixture of professional cycling and are recognised by every fan of the sport.

Since 1985 the yellow-shirted Mavic technicians have provided support free of labour charge to participants at cyclosportive events all over the globe. They will add truly professional rider mechanical support to the 2009 Dragon Ride Wales.

The 6th Dragon Ride Wales will start and finish as in 2008 at Pencoed College, Bridgend and will this year include a further 12km of tough riding on the outbound route towards the Brecon Beacons.