Omega Pharma extends with Lotto team

By Susan Westemeyer

Omega Pharma has bucked the trend of disappearing sponsors, announcing Friday afternoon that it would extend its current contract through the 2011 season. It sponsors Predictor-Lotto, which as of next season will be called Silence-Lotto.

In a press release, the company said it "continues to support the cycling project because – in addition to the top sport aspect and the company's committed involvement with social responsibility – it also combines a wide reaching and extreme anti-doping policy aimed specifically at juvenile cyclists."

Omega has already used the names Davitamon (vitamins) and Predictor (home medical test products). The company said that "it was a firm believer in the effectiveness of cycling sponsorship and has already witnessed its positive impact for Davitamon and Predictor in the past."

Silence is "an anti-snoring product based on natural ingredients." The team's new jerseys will be red and black.

"Cycling is a tremendous sports discipline that needs unity, purity and honesty. All initiatives that contribute to these values will be supported by the cycling team," the company said.

The deal hinges on Lotto' decision to continue sponsorship past 2008, a decision which is expected by the end of January.