CALGARY, Alberta -- Alpine Canada Alpin has signed a multi-million dollar skiwear agreement with Spyder Active Sports Inc., President Ken Read announced today.

The five-year-deal ensures Canada's top alpine athletes will sport the best possible racing apparel this season, said Read.

"To reach the podium our national team must have the best possible racewear and Spyder speedsuits are the best in the world," said Read, announcing his first major new partnership deal since being named president two months ago. "We selected a winner to help restore Canada to international skiing glory."

Spyder's trademark spider web designs will be featured on downhill racewear worn by Canadian racers at World Cup, Europa Cup, Nor Am Cup and Olympic races for the next five years.

Montreal native David Jacobs, a former Canadian national team racer and the organization's first ever full-time head coach from 1964 to 1966, is president of Spyder. Jacobs built Spyder up from his Boulder, Colorado kitchen table in 1978 to an internationally renowned industry leader.

"As a flag-waving Canadian through my racing and coaching days, it's fantastic to have the Canadian Alpine Ski Team racing in Spyder speedsuits," Jacobs said. "Spyder has made a full-on commitment to the Canadian racing program through the 2006 Winter Olympics in Italy and beyond."

Hi-tech downhill and giant slalom race suits are scientifically crafted to create the most aerodynamic effect while meeting rigid safety and performance criteria set by the International Ski Federation.

"It's great to have a new North American partner as excited as we are about ski racing,"said Thomas Grandi, leader of the Canadian men's technical team.

Spyder will also supply all training and outerwear, including jackets and pants, training vests, slalom shorts and shin guards.

ABOUT SPYDER
Spyder Active Sports designs and markets one of the most recognized and respected brands of high-performance, technically-oriented skiwear and outerwear in the world, offering a broad array of jackets, pants, vests, fleece, sweaters and accessories for men, women and children. Spyder's principal strength is an ability to develop outdoor apparel combining distinct styling and fashion influence with advanced materials technology and quality construction. The end result is outerwear with superior performance, functionality and comfort. With roots firmly planted in racing, competition remains a core focus. In April, Spyder signed on as official outerwear sponsor for the Canadian Freestyle Ski Team.

ABOUT ALPINE CANADA ALPIN
Alpine Canada Alpin is the governing body for ski racing in Canada. Its marquis athletes race for the Canadian Alpine Ski Team and represent Canada at the highest levels of racing around the world.

— Posted by Ari Cheren, MountainZone.com Staff