Primeo Energie and the Tour de Suisse: A perfect symbiosis
Primeo Energie is proud to be the main sponsor of the Tour de Suisse, Switzerland's most prestigious cycling race. In an exclusive interview, Primeo Energie CEO Cédric Christmann explains why this partnership is ideal and what common values the energy company and the famous cycling race share. He also reveals whether, as a native Frenchman, the Tour de France is not his favourite after all.
The commitment
Mr Christmann, why is Primeo Energie sponsoring the Tour de Suisse?
Our sponsorship is an essential part of our market strategy. We want to raise the profile of Primeo Energie throughout Switzerland. We have therefore decided in favour of a sponsorship that is visible both regionally and nationally. The Tour de Suisse fulfils these criteria perfectly. In addition, we want to offer our customers unique experiences, and the Tour de Suisse offers the ideal platform for this.
What do Primeo Energie and the Tour de Suisse have in common?
Both the Tour de Suisse and Primeo Energie are strongly associated with the concept of energy. Watt is just as important in cycling as it is in the energy sector. Attributes such as speed, flexibility, innovation and team spirit are essential both for a cycling race and for our company.
Are there other links between Primeo Energie and the Tour de Suisse?
Sustainability is of central importance to both. The Tour de Suisse is striving to become the most sustainable cycling race in the world and we support this goal. For example, we are advising the Tour de Suisse on the conversion of its vehicle fleet to electric cars. Of course, we also use electric cars for our own journeys to the Tour.
They all inspire Primeo Energie CEO Cédric Christmann: the Tour de Suisse, the Tour de France, the Giro dʼItalia and the Vuelta.
Why cycling?
Primeo Energie sponsors many cycling events and clubs. What makes this sport so special for you?
Cycling has a high public profile, which helps us as a company to become known nationwide. In addition to the Tour de Suisse, we also support the Tour de Romandie, the Tour Alsace, the Primeo Energie - ASOC Cup and the Women's Cup.
How is Primeo Energie involved at regional level?
As a company with regional roots, we support numerous local initiatives. These include the trail centre in Aesch, the Basel Bike Festival and local cycling clubs. We also promote the energy transition through products and services that help our customers to use energy more efficiently. In the bike sector, for example, we co-founded the Pick-e-Bike hire service.
The fascination of the Tour de Suisse
What fascinates you about the Tour de Suisse?
The Tour de Suisse is one of the biggest sporting events in Switzerland and provides a stage for outstanding talents such as Stefan Küng, Marc Hirschi, Stefan Bissegger and Gino Mäder. Like all great cycling races, this tour is a wonderful opportunity to experience the beauty of Switzerland.
I also think it's great that the Tour de Suisse is becoming more and more female. The Tour de Suisse Women has established itself, and at Primeo Energie we are also increasingly focussing on appealing to women, especially for professions such as grid electrician.
You originally come from France. Honestly: Tour de Suisse or Tour de France, which do you favour?
As a Swiss and Frenchman with Italian roots, my heart beats for all the big races: the Tour de Suisse, the Tour de France, the Giro d'Italia and the Vuelta.
Primeo Energie is at the forefront of cycling under the motto "We love cycling". We are committed to the Tour de Suisse and numerous other cycling events and clubs.
