Team Sky has agreed a three-year technical partner deal with Italian  manufacturer Pinarello, who will supply frames, forks, seat posts and headsets to the new professional road team.

Announcing the deal, Fausto Pinarello, President of Cicli Pinarello says: “We’re very happy with this new partnership. Team Sky’s goal of becoming one of the world’s leading cycling teams, fits with our objective of continuing and growing our presence as one of the world’s leading bicycle manufacturers. We have signed a three-year agreement and we look forward to a long, prosperous and successful collaboration.”

Dave Brailsford, Team Principal for Team Sky added: “We are thrilled to be riding Pinarello bikes. Joining up with this great producer is a crucial step for Team Sky. With Pinarello we have found the perfect partner to supply and develop an extraordinary line of bikes for our riders.

“The choice of bike has been a key decision. From the first talks, we found an immediate understanding with Pinarello on what this team is about; performance and perfection. The ways that Pinarello combine their life-long passion for the bike with the latest technology are genuinely inspired.  Pinarello are now a fundamental part of the team and will help our relentless efforts to have the best possible tools for Team Sky.”

Team Sky has revealed 16 riders for the new team with more to be announced.  Six British riders – Geraint Thomas, Steve Cummings, Pete Kennaugh, Chris Froome, Ian Stannard and Russell Downing – line up with ten international riders; Edvald Boasson Hagen, Thomas Lovkvist, Kurt Arvesen, Simon Gerrans, Juan Antonio Flecha, Kjell Carlstrom, John Lee Augustyn, Greg Henderson, Lars Petter Nordhaug and Morris Possoni.