Eric Lamaze sponsored by Rolex
The 42-year-old Canadian Eric Lamaze just bagged a major sponsor: Rolex, and although it is not his first endorsement, it is his first that does not involve some horse product like saddles, riding clothing, riding gloves.
“It means a lot to me,” said Lamaze, while packing to leave for Europe on a business trip on Monday. “Rolex is an incredible company and to be chosen as part of their sponsorship package for athletes is something that means a lot to me.“
Rolex also sponsors top European show-jumping riders Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil and Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, of Germany who have both been No. 1-ranked riders in the world. Lamaze, who has been at the top for several months, is now currently ranked No. 2 behind Kevin Staut of France.
In the show-jumping world, the Swiss timing experts and watchmakers sponsored the Grand Prix of Aachen in Germany that Lamaze won last year, despite a broken foot. It was also a sponsor at the world equestrian Games last October, when Lamaze won an individual bronze medal and and various other high-level equestrian events.
Lamaze met with Rolex executives a month ago in Switzerland to talk about the deal.
“Eric is the current Olympic champion and well-known rider in the world,” said Jean-Noel Bioul, head of sponsorship for Rolex International. “This has been achieved through focus, dedication and a constant desire for perfection. We are delighted to recognize Eric’s talent and look forward to our partnership with him over the coming years.“
Lamaze hasn’t competed in Europe since Dec. 12, when when he finished second in a Grand Prix event in Geneva behind Staut – losing by only .15 seconds. He spent the winter with his string of horses in Wellington, where his Olympic champion Hickstead, took time off from competing to breed mares for $5,500 mares.
Lamaze and Hickstead competed at a World Cup last Saturday in Wellington, Fla., but knocked one rail down. “Florida is never his thing,” Lamaze said. “He breeds a lot. This is a tough place for him to get going. But I think he’s healthy.“
Hickstead will be his first choice as a mount for the London Olympics, when he will be 16 years old. “It’s not that crazy to think he could do it [at that age],“ Lamaze said.
If not, Lamaze has a string of promising show jumpers ready to jump into the fray. He began competing Coriana van Klapscheut on Grand Prix courses last year with impressive results.
Lamaze will return to Europe to compete in Paris on April 15.