Lance Armstrong signs onto Steamboat's Honey Stinger Team
Posted by Nick Metzler on Tuesday, May 18th, 2010 at 12:43pm.Posted by Colorado Group Realty on Wednesday, April 28th, 2010 at 3:52pm.
Seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong has signed on as a part owner of Steamboat Springs-based energy food company Honey Stinger. The world renowned professional cyclist also will play a role in future product development and endorsement.
“I first tried Honey Stinger products during a mountain bike race in Colorado,” Armstrong said in a news release. “I was impressed with the great taste and energy they provided. Honey Stinger works for me in training and racing because you want to eat them and they work.”
The partnership with Honey Stinger began when Armstrong teamed up with Len Zanni, Honey Stinger’s marketing director, to compete in the 12 Hours of Snowmass mountain bike race outside Aspen in 2008. Zanni and Armstrong have since developed a friendship in addition to being cycling partners.
Steamboat’s Bill Gamber, co-owner and founder of Honey Stinger, as well as BAP and Big Agnes, created the energy food company in 2002 after teaming with his dad, a honey industry veteran; Bob Stahl, a food product developer; and John Miller, a professional beekeeper. Honey Stinger now produces more than 20 honey-based energy bars, gels and chews.
Two weeks ago, Honey Stinger was named as a “Colorado Company to Watch” by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade.
“I like the whole team — they understand what athletes need, and they’re great to work with,” Armstrong said in the release. “I’m excited to be part of the Stinger team and work with them on expanding the products and business.”
Honey Stinger already is the sponsor of the Trek Livestrong U23 cycling team. And Armstrong’s connection to Steamboat Springs will increase further this August, when local organizers host the inaugural Ride4yellow mountain bike event on Mount Werner. Proceeds will benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation, as well as local cancer initiatives.
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