Yesterday's announcement that Slipstream's elite cyclists will now be known as Team Garmin and use the Edge 705 is being praised around the world. Two stories in today's New York Times (in Sports and Style), prominent online stories by ESPN, VeloNews and CyclingNews, and features in USA Today, The Kansas City Star and Denver Post are just a beginning. The kudos that caught my eye, though, are the unsolicited ones sent in by you - friends and fans of Garmin - within hours of the announcement. These several are just a sampling sent as testimonials or to the Garmin blog inbox:

Keith from Chicago: "I just wanted to drop a quick note of gratitude for supporting professional cycling by your sponsorship of Team Garmin-Chipotle. It is a great sport, and one that I think has an amazing future in the US. I don’t own a Garmin, and never thought I’d really need one, but I think I am going to go buy one this weekend as a thank you for the support."

Victoria wrote: "Congratulations and kudos for sponsoring the Slipstream now Garmin cycling team. Two of my favorites together! I race kayaks and never workout without my Forerunner 305. Its the best training device for efficiency and motivation. Thanks and look forward to cheering the boys on at the Tour."

Submitting his online testimonial, Mike wrote: "Can't find the category for just happy about the new sponsorship of Garmin-Chipotle cycling team. I have owned 5 Garmin GPS and love your products as well as the support you give to your products. I am a competitive cyclist and even though I will never ride on a pro team I am pleased to read about your renewed commitment to pro cycling."

Paul from Gainesville, Florida: "Just wanted to let you all know that as a proud owner of a nüvi 200W and as a proud cyclist and cycling fan...I truly appreciate your expanded involvement with the Slipstream-Chipotle (Garmin-Chipotle p/b H3O) team. I can't wait to see the team take to the start line of the Tour de France in their new Garmin team jerseys!"

Tim from Washington, DC: "I am extremely excited to hear that your company has become the title sponsor for the Garmin-Chipotle Cycling team (formerly known as Slipstream-Chipotle.) It is great to know that such a reputable company has decided to sponsor a team with such high ambitions and potential. The team’s stance against performance enhancement in professional cycling is a model for the rest of the sport and the fact that Garmin has decided to become the title sponsor speaks highly of your company. I look forward to supporting the team in the upcoming Tour de France. Thanks!"

Steve said: "I am in the market for a new bike computer and was between a Polar or a Garmin. You have now made my decision easy – with your commitment to cycling by the team Slipstream sponsorship. BTW, I am a 54 year old weekend warrior cyclist."

Jeff and Peggy from Las Vegas: "Just wanted to send a big THANKS for your sponsorship of Team Garmin-Chipotle! It is so encouraging seeing an American company willing to step up and support the sport that we love... we genuinely appreciate it. We'll be going out soon to buy one of your products - we don't know if we want something for the car or on the bike, but we'll figure it out. Either way, we're going to be customers thanks to your involvement in cycling."

Bob had this to say: "I was happy to see your support of Slipstream, especially at a time when so many sponsors are leaving the sport. Slipstream seems to be trying to do the right thing and they should be supported for it. Keep up the good work."

We wrap things up with Michael from Rocky River, Ohio:

"Hi - Not sure exactly where to begin but I might start off with saying I've ridden many roads in and around the Olathe area (having lived in KC for 20 years) and I've been involved with cycling, most notably with bicycle racing for almost 20 years now. I'm now living in the Cleveland area and last Christmas I bought one of your products for my then girlfriend - which she absolutely loves. I also still ride bicycles but have retired from racing due to many issues - though I still follow it with passion.

"Long story short - After using one of your products with my ex-girlfriend, I've been tempted to get one for myself even though I'm a typical male and I love the adventure of driving around lost trying to navigate by my wits and tiny bit of talent (and heaven forbid if I ever stop to ask for directions). This morning I read that you are sponsoring the Slipstream team in time for their debut in the Tour de France. Well, that clinched it. I'll be buying a GPS system for myself soon - if only to affirm your company's decision to advertise through the medium of human propelled two wheeled vehicles.

"Congratulations on your new venture - I've met Jonathan Vaughters, Danny Pate and Will Frischkorn from my days in racing - in fact I still wear some clothing that they've passed on to me from previous teams they've raced for - they're standout men and I wish them, the rest of the team, and you much success this year and years to come."

Thanks, everyone. We're as excited as you are and can't wait to get to France!

Comments

[Joel]

I have two sports passions in my life. Sailing and Cycling I own a Garmin device for both of them. A GPSMAP 76C and an EDGE 305. I never do either sports without your products. I love your company so much that I bought your stock. I just want to say thanks for sponsoring a pro cycling team and I wish you the best.