Team Sky will continue to use Shimano components through the 2016 and 2017 seasons after signing a two-year sponsorship extension with the groupset manufacturer.
Team Sky riders have used Shimano components and finishing kit from Shimano subsidiary PRO since the squad’s inception in 2010, during which time Chris Froome (2013, 2015) and Sir Bradley Wiggins (2012) have registered three Tour de France wins between them.
While Wiggins has moved on from Team Sky, and his new eponymous UCI Continental-registered squad use SRAM components, Froome will continue to ply his trade using Shimano’s flagship Dura-Ace Di2 groupset, as well as Shimano wheels and pedals, and cockpit components from PRO
The team’s riders will also continue to work with Shimano’s engineers to develop, test and offer feedback on future products, according to Team Sky technical director Carsten Jeppesen. Team Sky have previously worked with Shimano in the development of PRO’s three-spoke time trial wheel, while Berhard Eisel tested a Pinarello Dogma F8 with Shimano disc brakes at the 2015 Eneco Tour.
“Shimano is simply a fantastic cycle component brand to work with,” said Jeppesen. “From the super-accurate shifting of its Dura-Ace groupsets to its wheelsets and brakes, the components are superb right across the board. I’m incredibly relieved to have our riders on Shimano in 2016.
“Shimano share a similar ethos to Team Sky – performance, engineering expertise and technological innovation – so it’s a huge benefit to be able to continue our work with their product development team, too.”
Team Sky are one of seven Shimano-sponsored WorldTour teams, along with BMC Racing, FDJ, Giant-Alpecin, Orica-GreenEDGE, Trek Factory Racing and LottoNL-Jumbo, who have announced a new three-year sponsorship extension.
Cannondale-Garmin, Etixx-QuickStep, IAM Cycling, Katusha, Lampre-Merida and Tinkoff-Saxo are also among the WorldTour teams to use Shimano components away from an official sponsorship deal, with Shimano components by far the most common in the pro peloton. Campagnolo components could be seen on the bikes of three teams (Astana, Lotto-Soudal and Movistar) in 2015, with only Ag2r La Mondiale using SRAM.
“Team Sky´s professional setup and incredible performances are very much in line with how we work and what we value at Shimano,” added Shimano Europe marketing director Richard Keeskamp.
“The team provides one of the toughest quality tests of Shimano Dura-Ace and PRO components, allowing us to continuously improve our cycling products. Products such as the PRO three-spoke wheel are stunning examples of this product development partnership in action. We are delighted to continue this co-creation relationship, marking the eighth year of support for Team Sky.”
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