In 2024, Team Polti Kometa will be the new name of Ivan Basso and Alberto Contador cycling project
Polti, a leader in steam appliances for ironing and home and professional cleaning, and Kometa, an agri-food company specialized in the processing and transformation of pork and poultry meats, a loyal companion of the Alberto Contador Foundation since 2017, are the two companies that will lend their names to Team Polti Kometa starting in January 2024. The eagerly awaited return of Polti to the world of cycling, sport in which Polti was the undisputed star for 17 years (from 1983 to 2000), with the collaboration of Ivan Basso and Alberto Contador, ensures the ongoing progress of a forward-looking project.
Ever since Kometa‘s debut on the team’s jersey in 2017, the Italian-Hungarian company has been an integral part of the team’s identity. “I am delighted with the renewal of our partnership with Kometa,” says Fran Contador, the General Manager. This marks the eighth consecutive year of Kometa’s commitment as a co-title sponsor to the Alberto Contador Foundation project. “It’s been a long way together! Not only in sporting terms, but also in the development of cycling in Hungary”, says the General Manager. His support made the team’s move to the Continental category in 2018 possible, along with significant developments in cycling in his country, such as the 2022 start of the Giro d’Italia in Budapest — an event of immeasurable importance for Kometa, in which the team also played a role.
“Team Polti Kometa embarks on its journey with the weight of its history, now bolstered by the prestigious addition of Polti in 2024. Polti boasts a rich cycling legacy, and our association with this renowned brand enhances our project, bringing prestige, credibility, and a heightened sense of purpose to our team as we continue our growth,” Fran Contador emphasizes. This three-season agreement, not only reinforces our objectives, but also enhances the team’s dynamics since its transition to the ProTeam category.
“I’m delighted to follow in my father’s footsteps and represent a second generation that still believes in this sport, not only as a means to enhance our brand’s visibility but also as a platform for promoting healthy values and principles. We nurture the dream of discovering the next champion and becoming a point of reference for young cyclists, and who knows, perhaps even for female cyclists in a few years,” remarks Francesca Polti, CEO of Polti. “With Giacomo Pedranzini, CEO of Kometa, a relationship of immediate respect and understanding was established. We discovered commonalities, sharing the same philosophy, and we are committed to supporting emerging talent while encouraging a healthy lifestyle through sports and our products.”
“Celebrating our eighth season alongside the Fundación Contador, we reflect on the journey we’ve undertaken with Ivan, Alberto, and Fran. Step by step, we’ve crafted this story with unwavering determination and perseverance. Throughout the years, we’ve welcomed new partners, witnessing continuous growth,” states Giacomo Pedranzini, CEO of Kometa. “Now, Polti assumes the reins, bringing with it a rich heritage, Francesca’s energy and enthusiasm, and a a dedication to replicating past achievements while paving the way for fresh beginnings. Together, we will continue to nurture athletes and new generations through the sport of cycling, a pillar of Italian culture and a school of life that embodies our core values: dedication, sacrifice, and team spirit. Kometa, through the HonestFood movement, promotes a healthy diet alongside an active lifestyle, safeguarding our most valuable asset: our health. Polti bolsters these efforts with products designed for the care of our homes and professional environments. Our joint mission is to build a healthy, productive, and contented society!”.
Ivan Basso envisions a promising future for the team, stating: “It is a moment of great pride for me. Succeeding in bringing back a prestigious name like Polti into the world of cycling is a dream come true. With the enduring support of Kometa and now Polti, we can look to the future with confidence, knowing that we can offer the team new resources and ambitious prospects. This partnership represents a combination of experience and passion, bringing together two entrepreneurs like Francesca and Giacomo. The goal is clear: to create opportunities for emerging cyclists, take the team to the next level of excellence, and establish it as a reference point in the world of cycling”.
