NEWBURY PARK, Calif. (BRAIN) — Giant Bicycle is joining Cannondale, Trek, Merida and BMC among bike brands that are title or co-title sponsors of top-tier UCI professional road teams. Giant is taking over as title sponsor of the team formerlly called Argos-Shimano after another potential sponsor (reportedly an American charitable group) did not come through as expected.
The Giant-Shimano team includes top riders Marcel Kittel and John Degenkolb, both of Germany, and Americans Lawson Craddock, Chad Haga and Tom Peterson. Besides that team, Giant also is title sponsor of a related men's development team and a pro women's team, which will ride Liv/giant bikes.
Team Giant-Shimano general manager Iwan Spekenbrink said the team is excited to partner with the world's leading producer of high-quality bikes and gear.
"We are very proud of the confidence that Giant has shown in our athletes, our organization and our vision," said Spekenbrink. "By stepping up after our planned title sponsor departed, Giant is demonstrating their belief in the superior results, global reach and integrity we have established over the last several years. The idea of building a new concept in pro cycling, together with Giant, has been welcomed with great enthusiasm by the riders and the entire organization."
Team Giant-Shimano riders will ride the Propel Advanced SL aero road bike, the TCR Advanced SL road bike, the Defy Advanced SL endurance road bike and the Trinity Advanced SL time trial bike.
More infomation: www.teamgiantshimano.com.
Related: 2014 UCI ProTeams and their bike and component sponsors.
