The Isle of Man has signed EscapetheRock.im as its latest Team Champion ©IOMCGA

EscapetheRock.im has been signed up as a "Team Champion" for the Isle of Man team preparing for next year's Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast.

The company, part of Richmond Travel, launched last year,

"The team at Richmond Travel and EscapetheRock.im want to give our athletes the best chance to excel in their field during the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games," said Brian Kelly, chairman of EscapetheRock.im.

"Our contribution will help towards the costs of coaching, equipment, travel, support and treatment. 

"We know how hard the Isle of Man Commonwealth Games Association work to raise funds to support Manx athletes so they can thrive and do us proud."

The partnership was confirmed when Kelly met Isle of Man Commonwealth Games Association vice-president Basil Bielich and cyclist Leon Mazzone, a contender for Gold Coast 2018. 

The Isle of Man won one medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow ©Getty Images
The Isle of Man won one medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow ©Getty Images

"We are so grateful to all our Team Champions, without the support of these generous local companies we wouldn’t be able to represent the Island as this international occasion," said Bielich.

"Not only does it put the Isle of Man on the world stage but also gives local athletes an important experience which will help their sporting careers in the future."

EscapetheRock.im joins Auxesia, SMP Partners and Skanco as Team Champions.

The Isle of Man won one medal at Glasgow 2014, a silver for track cyclist Peter Kennaugh in the points race.

Their best performance at the Commonwealth Games was the last time the event was held in Australia, at Melbourne 2006. 

Mark Cavendish won the gold medal in the men's scratch cycling race and shooters Trevor Boyles and Dave Walton a bronze in the men's trap pairs.

Since making their Commonwealth Games debut at Cardiff 1958, the Isle of Man have won a total of 11 medals, three of them gold.