CANDIDATE CITIES SELECTED FOR 12TH AND 13TH EDITIONS OF THE VOLVO OCEAN RACE
Volvo Ocean Race S.L.U. has selected the successful candidates who will go through to the final stage of the bid process to become host cities for the 12th and 13th editions of the Volvo Ocean Race, scheduled for 2014-15 and 2017-18.
Of more than 60 applications received, a record number of 33 will progress through to the Candidate phase.
The bid process, managed by London-based sports agency The Sports Consultancy and launched earlier this year, received over 60 Expressions of Interest.
The successful host cities will be announced at the end of 2012 and the race route for the 12th and 13th editions of the race confirmed.
Commenting on the bid process, The Sports Consultancy Managing Director Angus Buchanan said: “We have been very impressed with the number, quality and geographic spread of bid applications received, which in turn has enabled us to select the best possible Candidates with whom we will progress discussions.
“The desire to host this spectacular event is stronger than ever which is testament not only to the appeal of the event to spectators but also a recognition of the significant economic benefits that the Volvo Ocean Race brings to its host cities.”
Knut Frostad, Chief Executive of Volvo Ocean Race, added: “When selecting a route for the Volvo Ocean Race it is important that we consider a range of factors including sporting, commercial, heritage and legacy.
“This formal host city bid process allows us to choose the best possible route by identifying the strongest host city partnerships that will benefit the race, its hosts and the event’s growing global audience.”
