Orica extends sponsorship of GreenEdge pro team

Mining chemicals and explosives company Orica has announced a two-year renewal of its title sponsorship of the Australian Orica-GreenEdge WorldTour team and women's Orica-AIS squad.

The deal will see Orica continue to headline both teams through the 2015 and 2016 seasons.

"Orica-GreenEdge has never been higher in the rankings of world cycling and Orica is delighted to have helped them get there," said Orica's executive global head of corporate affairs and social responsibility, Gavin Jackman.

“The Orica-GreenEdge partnership has been a resounding success with Orica’s sponsorship helping the team deliver world-class performances which in turn have generated global exposure for Orica," Jackman continued. "We’ve also been particularly delighted to work with the men’s and women’s teams in local communities in which Orica operates."

Orica-GreenEdge get hypnotised (video)

Riders from Orica-GreenEdge succumb (or not) to the hypnotic powers of Isaac Lomman

Coinciding with the news that Orica has extended it deal, Australian prime minister Tony Abbott accompanied Orica riders Simon Gerrans, Matthew Hayman, Luke Durbridge, Caleb Ewan, Cameron Meyer, Lizzie Williams and Jessie McLean on a ride around Canberra.

Gerrans said: "It was a real privilege to have the Prime Minster join us this morning for a ride here in Canberra. It’s good to see that he is also a keen cyclist."

Gerrans will likely start his season as defending champion at the Tour Down Under in South Australia over January 17-25.

Women's Orica-AIS team at the 2014 Women's Tour in Britain