Zug, Switzerland, 17 May 2005 — Infront Sports & Media and its subsidiary Infront Beijing Consulting has announced that it will be handling the key marketing rights for the first-ever Chinese challenge for the America's Cup, to be known as "China Team".

China Team has acquired the support of State Sports General Administration (SSGA) of China, and the China Yachting Association and will benefit from the assistance of the well-known French team Le Défi for the team's management, bringing on board Le Défi's many years experience of America's Cup.
 
The official yacht club for the Chinese Challenge is the Qingdao International Yacht Club, a representation initiated and realized by Infront's Asia Board colleague, Chaoyong Wang. The Challenge will be based in Qingdao, which will be the venue for the Olympic sailing events in 2008 as well as in Valencia, host city for the 32nd America's Cup.
 
The agreement includes securing sponsorship for the team, as well as scope to develop support programmes involving merchandising and hospitality. It will include a lead role for Infront Beijing in the commercial marketing of the team with a particular focus in the Asian market. China Team has the opportunity to benefit from Infront's strong sales and marketing network in the region.
 
With 11 challengers representing nine countries, the next America's Cup is not just one of the biggest, but by far the most diverse in history. Three countries are participating for the first time – South Africa, Germany and China - and five continents are represented, reinforcing the global appeal of sailing's ultimate event.
 
For the first time since its inception, the America's Cup will take place in Europe, as a direct result of the victory of the Swiss yacht, Alinghi, on March 2, 2003. The event has been restructured and a series of "Acts" (pre-regatta) will take place as pre-regattas in different venues, further enhancing the international impact of the competition.
 
"It is immensely exciting that China is challenging for the America's Cup and this demonstrates China's tremendous commitment to competing internationally in every area of endeavour." said Oscar Frei, CEO of Infront. He added "Infront is also working with China Team and AC Management to explore the possibility of bringing the excitement and prestige of the event to China through the staging of a first-ever America's Cup Act in the region."
 
"We are very much looking forward to working with Infront, which is rapidly establishing itself as one of the leading sports marketing organizations in China, backed by international expertise. They will be an excellent partner for China Team. We have long-term plans which go far beyond 2007 – for the immediate future, we mean to build a competitive team for the 32nd America's Cup, with the support of Le Défi and through the selection and training of Chinese talent" said Chaoyong Wang, the Team Principal. 
 
For further information, please contact:
John Kristick
Infront Sports & Media AG
Tel. +41-41-723 15 15
info@infrontsports.com