September 28, 2009 – FIS and sports apparel specialist Craft Sportswear have agreed an extension of Craft’s sponsorship of the FIS Tour de Ski for three more years. Having been on board since the event’s introduction in the winter season 20006/07, the Swedish performance apparel pioneer will continue as presenting sponsor of the “FIS Tour de Ski performance by Craft Sportswear” until 2011/2012.

“FIS is pleased to continue the partnership with Craft Sportswear to further develop the FIS Tour de Ski, clearly one of the most exciting recent additions to the international winter sports calendar. Craft Sportswear has been part of the FIS Tour de Ski since its beginning three years ago and through its natural connection to the sport of Cross-Country Skiing, it has played a key role in helping the event become one of the flagship events within the FIS Cross-Country World Cup,” commented FIS President Gian Franco Kasper.

“The Tour de Ski has quickly established itself as the most prestigious and spectacular event of the Cross-Country season,” says Erik Abrahamsson, Brand Manager at Craft. “The World Cup stars compete in this incredibly challenging event which is exciting to follow. Craft Sportswear’s presence at such an event demonstrates the authenticity of the brand. We love Cross-Country Skiing and also sponsor athletes and national teams.” Over the past years, Craft’s brand has profited from an enormous rise in brand recognition and awareness through its visibility at the FIS Tour de Ski.