NUNSPEET, Netherlands, and TAIPEI, Taiwan (BRAIN)—Both Giant Bicycles and Shimano will continue to support Team High Road, the former T-Mobile men’s and women’s pro squads just dropped by long-time title sponsor Deutsche Telekom’s T-Mobile division.
“Giant and Team High Road share the same commitment in clean and fair sport, and together we will work to shape the future of cycling. We have been collaborating with this young and highly talented group of men and women to develop the world’s most advanced bicycles, and we’re excited to continue this powerful partnership. We can’t wait to unleash this winning formula in the coming season,” said Tony Lo, Giant’s chief executive officer.
Hennie Stamsnijder, Shimano’s sports marketing manager, said, “For Shimano it was not even a question to continue or not after T-Mobile’s withdrawal from the team. Shimano keeps on supporting professional cycling especially in these difficult times. Team High Road Sports is one of the leading teams in the peloton in all aspects and therefore this was a very easy decision. The philosophy of Bob Stapleton and his team is the right and only way to go for professional cycling in the future.”
Stapleton, the team’s manager under T-Mobile, is continuing in that role for Team High Road and initiated some of the most stringent and meaningful anti-drugging protocols in the sport “We are very pleased to continue working with one of the most innovative and largest manufacturers of bicycles in the world. Giant was part of our successful season in 2007 and we are excited about our plans for 2008 and beyond. This is a committed partnership and we appreciate the ongoing support of Giant bicycles, Stapleton said.
The High Road teams will ride Giant frames fitted with Shimano and Shimano’s PRO components, wheels, pedals, handlebar and handlebar stems through 2008.
