LONDON (BRAIN) — Rapha has made a three-year agreement to sponsor and supply the new Canyon/SRAM Women's Professional Team.
The team will compete on the new UCI Women's WorldTour and will be led by Australia's Tiffany Cromwell and the U.K.'s Hannah Barnes with a total of nine riders from six countries. The team will be directed by Ronny Lauke and Beth Duryea.
Rapha will supply the team with racewear based on its Souplesse collection and off-the-bike clothes from the brand's City collection.
The team will begin its 2016 season with Cromwell racing the Australian national championships road race and Santos Women's Tour in January. The team's first full race will be Ladies Tour of Qatar on Feb. 2-5. The team will also race the Amgen Tour of California and Philadelphia Cycling Classic.
"Rapha are devoted racing fans, partnering with this team underlines our commitment to racing at the highest level and to women's cycling which is a key focus for Rapha," said Simon Mottram, Rapha founder and CEO. "The world-class riders, team management and cutting-edge partners will further elevate our product design and performance and help us develop the finest racing and riding products for women."
Rapha recently announced that its three-year deal with Team Sky will not be renewed after it expires at the end of the 2016 season.
The team will use SRAM's new Red eTap wireless drivetrain for most racing, and Red 22 Wifli components for very hilly events.
"We're thrilled to support Canyon/SRAM Racing. SRAM is an ardent advocate for women's cycling and we're enthusiastic about competing in the newly minted UCI Women's WorldTour Series. With the depth of talent found in this team, we're excited to see how the season unfolds," said SRAM road brand director Chris Zigmont.
Zwift, the online training application, also is a team sponsor, and team athletes will make "appearances" in Zwift's virtual rides, the company said.
“Women’s participation in the sport at all levels has, for years, been far too low,” said Scott Barger, Zwift's co-founder. “Partnering with such a promising women’s team allows us to engage and expand our current user community in the equal opportunity environment of Zwift.”
The full 2016 roster:
Alena Amialiusik (BLR)
Hannah Barnes (GBR)
Lisa Brennauer (GER)
Elena Cecchini (ITA)
Tiffany Cromwell (AUS)
Barbara Guarischi (ITA)
Mieke Kröger (GER)
Alexis Ryan (USA)
Trixi Worrack (GER)
