Tour of Samoa welcomes the exciting new partnership with Negative Split Carbon as the naming rights sponsor for the 2023 tour. It is the first time in the seven-year history of the tour to partner with an offshore company.

The relationship between the tour and Negative Split Carbon was first formed in 2018 when Oceania GM Chris Dunn travelled to Samoa with his wife Rachel to compete in the Samoa Swim Series, a sister event to the tour. 

Chris and Rachel enjoyed their Samoa experience so much that they were back the next year. Chris won the Samoa Swim Series and Pacific Open Water Championship in his second year, and also won the Warrior Race Beat the Heat standard distance triathlon. 

In 2020, the Dunn’s invested in Negative Split Carbon Oceania and became the distributors for the region. Negative Split Carbon was founded in New Zealand in 2018 and specialises in Carbon wheels for road, triathlon, gravel and cross-country cycling. 

The opportunity to be a commercial partner with the tour fits with Chris’ love of triathlon and cycling, establishing a new Bike wheel business and competing in Samoa.      

“We are very excited to be partnering with the Tour of Samoa in 2023. In my opinion, it’s the only true tour in the South Pacific because riders get to see the whole country throughout the course of the event. NSC's mission is to make carbon wheels more accessible for riders so partnering with an inclusive and accessible event like the Tour of Samoa is a perfect fit. Most riders only get to watch tour racing on TV or from a roadside. Having a tour event, open to all riders creates an incredible experience that we can’t wait to be part of."

“It’s going to be hard decision for us this year to choose between competing in the SSS and the tour. We’ve been involved as competitors in a number of events hosted by Seti and Samoa Events over the past 5 years and continue to come back year after year for the warm Samoan hospitality, incredible scenery and camaraderie amongst the athletes. The most difficult decision every year, is deciding which event to do because they’re all world class.” said Chris. 
 
Tour director, Seti Afoa, welcomes the opportunity to work with NSC.

“I like Chris’ energy and positive worldview. He understands what we are doing in Samoa. The fact he loves competing here is an added bonus.” 

“He also knows the market, not only the people in the multisport market but also the equipment needed to do well riding the tour or competing in Warrior in Samoa.” 

The Tour is an exciting friendly competition for all riders. Notable from the first tour were the long-term friendships made in any tour of Samoa. This year’s tour will be no exception. 
 
Tour Schedule 
9 August, 24-Hour Challenge 
12 August, Apia Road Race, Criterium 
14-19 August, Tour of Samoa 
18 August, Savai’i 180

This Press Release was written by Samoa Events.