The value sponsorship is immeasurable, according to Jonathan Vaughters.And as a manager of a pro cycling team who has been involved in the Tour De France, he should know.Vaughters is on the Island as a guest of Neil de st Croix, the owner Bicycle Works who have brought board on The Royal Gazette as one of their team’s sponsors.According to de st Croix, The Gazette will help the club in its future endeavours, including their junior programme. Funds received, he said, would help not only the club itself but also the community.“Sponsorship is always big, especially in this climate because the economy is up and down right now and for firms to come out and help clubs is something that is really needed,” said veteran sportsmen who has enjoyed success as a runner, triathlete and cyclist.“When you look at sponsorship funds, the sponsor is actually given back to themselves by putting their name out there and being recognised.“Jonathon has done some studies on sponsorship and how it impacts everyone involved.“We have a very active junior programme and the money will go towards them and their learning. It will help other organisations such as Berkeley Institute who have a cycling team now and are very good.“It gets the younger generation out and being active, not sitting around a video game. What we hopefully will see is children emulating what they see from our junior riders on the road and follow in their footsteps.Vaughters, a former professional racing cyclist and current manager of the Garmin-Sharp professional team, echoed de st Croix’s thoughts on sponsorship and its importance to racing clubs and the sport as a whole.“It is always important to get funds from all available sections of the corporate ladder and the daily newspaper coming on board to assist is great.“Around the world you see companies, whether it be law firms of insurance, helping out where they can. We thank them for helping not only the club but also the community.”