The latest firm to come on board is Moray Stone Cutters which is sponsoring part of the race for the first time and will provide prizes for the Espoirs or Under 23 category.
This is an important part of the race which is seen as a development stage for up-and-coming riders, offering them good quality racing and standard of organisation normally associated with much bigger events.
Riders such as Irishman Mark Scanlon, who entered the first edition of the race and went on to become World Junior Champion and Scotland’s Martin Lonie, who figured prominently in last year's event, have now joined development teams of professional squads.
The organisers hope Moray Council will again support the overall individual placings and for the third year in a row the Irish will be bidding for victory with a strong team entry.
The third and fourth category riders have a separate prize list, which is another part of the race's appeal in giving opportunities for all riders to compete in a big event.
This section is being sponsored by Moray Badenoch and Strathspey Enterprise.
Stuarts Cycles of Forres are involved for a third year with their sponsorship of the sprints, which is one of the most exciting parts of the event.
Such a big event poses a huge logistical challenge and sponsors’ help is vital in that area. Alan Milne Ltd provide race vehicles and the Eight Acres Hotel is again acting as the race hotel and administration centre. The race HQ is Moray Leisure Centre.
Other smaller sponsors such as the Trophy Shop in Lossie contribute significantly to the event and race director Kevan Sturgeon would be delighted to hear from anyone wishing to get involved. He can be contacted on 01343 546348.
He has already begun to assemble a strong international field for this year’s race. Teams from Ireland and the home countries are confirmed and the RAF will again have their crack riders up for the race. Interest from top club teams has also increased and the strongest field ever is expected.
Realising the growth of the internet the race now has its web page at: www.delgin.demon.co.uk.
