November 21, 2013 – Audi is extending its commitment in international winter sports to a new level. The Ingolstadt-based auto brand is now the main sponsor of the FIS Nordic Combined World Cup.

Audi already sponsors the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup and the FIS Ski Cross World Cup and, in addition, will be presenting the next two FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in 2015 and 2017.

Audi has partnered with the Nordic Combined skiers for many years. For the athletes, the partnership can provide an important advantage in the competition. At the Audi wind tunnel in Ingolstadt, ski jumpers simulate longer airborne phases and have the opportunity to take their time and work on their approach and flight, assisted by expert video analysis.

The 2013/2014 World Cup season kicks off in Kuusamo (FIN) at the end of November and will subsequently take the athletes to eleven other venues in Europe and Russia until the finale next March. The new ‘Nordic Combined Triple’ competition is a highlight. It aggregates the results of three competitions held on a single weekend – each result consisting of the jumping distance and cross- country kilometres. The premiere will be held in Seefeld (AUT) from 17th to 19th January 2014.

“This partnership underlines Audi’s commitment to winter sports,” said FIS President Gian Franco Kasper. “Audi is known for its innovation and now they join the Nordic Combined discipline at a perfect time as it is introducing it’s exciting new event this season with the Nordic Combined Triple.”

Konica Minolta Extends Partnership with FIS

Konica Minolta extended its engagement as “Official Data Sponsor” for the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup in 2013/14 and added the FIS Nordic Combined World Cup through the 2015/16 season. The sponsorship will bring Konica Minolta to 56 ski events in eleven countries in Europe and Asia.

This is the second season that Konica Minolta is the Official Data Sponsor for the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup and its first season with the FIS Nordic Combined World Cup. The provider for IT services and managed document processes aims to extend the positive effects last year´s sponsorship had on its brand awareness.

“The FIS-sponsorship fits our brand perfectly. As in Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined, we strive for technical precision and outstanding performance in our work for our customers. Additionally, you have to be bold in Ski Jumping and have the ability to go the distance in Nordic Combined – both virtues that we are verifiably known for in our industry,” said Olaf Lorenz, General Manager International Marketing Division, Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe.

“I am pleased that we can continue our partnership with Konica Minolta as the Official Data Sponsor at our World Cup events,” said FIS Race Director Walter Hofer. “It is sure to be an exciting season for all of our athletes as they prepare for the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi.”

“I am pleased that Konica has picked this season to join the Nordic Combined family,” said Lasse Ottesen, FIS Nordic Combined Race Director. “They are coming on board as we embark on what is arguably the most anticipated season for our discipline with the Triple in addition to the Sochi Games.”