April 21, 2010

21 April 2010, LONDON: Coinciding with the announcement of the full route for the Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12 The Sports Consultancy, the bidding specialists appointed by Volvo Ocean Race to manage the process, announces the successful completion of the agency?s brief to deliver what is, with over 80 initial bidders and 10 successful cities, believed to be largest number of cities ever in a city bidding process in sport.
Providing turn-key marketing, commercial and legal management to the Volvo Ocean Race, The Sports Consultancy has worked successfully with the event organiser to deliver a significant increase in hosting rights fees and enhanced service as well as infrastructure provision by each host city. At the same time Volvo Ocean Race is able to complete and announce the entire route for the next race 12 months earlier than ever before.
The Sports Consultancy was appointed in February 2009 to develop the Volvo Ocean Race?s first ever global competitive bidding process to secure the route of the 2011-12 Race.
Commenting on the procurement process, TSC Director Angus Buchanan said: ?We are incredibly proud of what The Sports Consultancy has achieved in delivering the largest ever competitive tender in sport. From over 80 original bidders, we are delighted with the quality of the final host cities and the significantly enhanced rights fees and infrastructure commitments we have achieved for Volvo Ocean Race even in this tough economic environment.?
Knut Frostad, Volvo Ocean Race CEO, added: ?I am delighted with the results that The Sports Consultancy has achieved over the last 12 months. Its methodology and implementation has been first class ensuring that the Volvo Ocean Race enhances its global reputation as the world?s most high profile off shore yachting event.?