A ‘dream team’ of female pro cyclists, including three British Olympic champions, has announced its joint title sponsor.
On-line retailer, Wiggle, will back the team of owner-manager, Rochelle Gilmore, who won the 2010 Commonwealth Games road race for Australia.
Wiggle joins previously announced sponsors, Honda, and the Bradley Wiggins Foundation.
The team includes a host of international talents, including Team GB’s Olympic and world team pursuit squad, Dani King, Jo Rowsell, and Laura Trott.
Gilmore said the backing would give female professional cyclists the same backing as their male counterparts.
“Women have traditionally ridden for contracts as little as one-tenth of what the men earn,’ Gilmore said.
‘If you want to get the best out of an athlete you need to provide them with what they need—and all too often funding shortfalls mean women cyclists are not provided what they need.
‘Our team philosophy is all about the athletes. The deal with Wiggle.co.uk enables us to provide better salaries and the supportive environment our athletes deserve and need so they can reach their full potential.”
Gilmore and the three British riders will be joined by three-time world champion, Giorgia Bronzini (Italy) and seven-time national champion of Japan, Mayuko Hagiwara.
The team will ride Colnago C59 bikes equipped with Campagnolo Super Record EPS components.
Trott, who also won gold at the London Olympic Games in the women’s omnium, said the team was privileged to have secured backing from Wiggle, while Wiggins said he had been a customer of the online retailer for years.
Wiggle’s CEO, Humphrey Cobbold, said: ‘It’s a privilege to support Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling.
“We look forward to playing a pivotal role in supporting this tremendous group of athletes and hope that our partnership will motivate future female cycling champions the world over.”
The team will make its debut on February 3 2013 at the Tour of Qatar. It will also compete in women’s professional events on the UCI World Cup calendar.
