Madison have announced the newly formed Rapha Condor Recycling.co.uk team
is to be sponsored by Madison for the 2008 season as the company’s sponsorship and support
for the UK road race scene is expanded and strengthened. As announced in October,
two of Britain’s leading road cycling teams have joined forces to create
a new super team that unites their strong ethics and passion for racing. The
team includes some of the UK’s strongest domestic cyclists and has
a cosmopolitan image that will support the upsurge in popular interest in cycling
for sport, leisure and enjoyment.

The 2008 Rapha Condor Shimano bike

In 2008 Madison, the UK distributors for Shimano, will be providing the team
with full Dura-Ace group sets as well as the new Carbon Laminate
WH-7850 wheel set. Also included in the deal will be the
new Giro Ionos helmet as well as the new range of Giro eyewear that is set
to be released in February at the iceBike show.

The Rapha Condor Recycling.co.uk team is set to compete and perform on the
Continent during this coming season and it was felt important the team of British
riders be given the opportunity to compete in Europe rather than simply make up the numbers. The team will also be issued with Shimano R300 custom fit SPD shoes,
Elite trainers, the Elite O3one range and Finish Line Pro Road lubrication for
the bikes.

Commenting on the sponsorship, Dominic Langan, Madison CEO had the following
to say, “The undoubted quality and heritage of Condor combined with the
flair, reputation and profile of Rapha, in conjunction with such a strong team
of top class riders and support staff makes for a perfect alliance for Shimano
in the UK. We are very proud to be part of the team and we look forward to a
successful future together”

Added John Herety, Team Manager for Rapha Condor Recycling.co.uk, “The
news that Madison will be backing the team for 2008 feels like the team has
already gained its first victory of the season.

I am delighted that such a serious player in the UK cycle industry has chosen
to back the Rapha Condor Recycling.co.uk Team for 2008.”

Condor celebrates its 60th year in 2008 and has a long tradition of involvement in road racing. Grant Young of Condor commented, “We are once again proud
to be associated with Shimano. We had a long standing relationship with the
company in the days of Percy Bilton and the Condor professional team. Also,
for years, Shimano sponsored the Condor Service Vehicles in the famous ‘Milk
Races,’ and we look forward to having even greater success than the past,
with one of the most promising teams the UK has seen in many years.”

Madison will be continuing to support the Tour of Britain in its capacity as
official industry partner for 2008 as well as providing the financial backing
and support for Britain’s first 24 hour road race, the Shimano 24, which will take place on 12th-13th July 2008. For more details on this ground-breaking
event, please visit www.shimano24.com