Companies want a model release signed by the person in the image before they will publish it in an advertisement, catalog, etc. The release states that the photographed person gives permission for the picture to be used commercially.
So think twice about sending images of colorful locals for whom you have no model release to equipment manufacturers and remember to get your cycling partner’s permission to take and commercially sell photos of them.
For more information on model releases visit Dan Heller’s website.
Note: model release requirements also vary from country to country.