The Scottish clothing company, Endura, will supply clothing to the Spanish UCI WorldTour squad, Movistar, for three years from 2014.
The Livingston brand, which ran its own UCI Continental team until the end of last season, and this year entered a partnership with the German NetApp-Endura Pro Continental squad, will provide team kit to Movistar from next year.
Endura will continue as partner to NetApp-Endura through 2014, where it acts as commercial partner as well as clothing supplier, RCUK understands.
The ‘performance apparel’ to be worn by the team will be made at Endura’s Livingston HQ. Endura will produce official Movistar clothing for worldwide sale.
Jim McFarlane, Endura’s founder, described the Spanish squad as “at the top of their game” and said the two parties shared “a common vision,” he said.
“Everyone at Endura is excited to be working with such a professional and talented team of people and for our part we are extremely optimistic of what we can achieve for the team in improving performances through technical development in the Team’s clothing.”
The three-year deal announced today could be extended. An Endura statement spoke of “anticipated co-operation beyond then”.
Movistar has enjoyed a successful 2013 season, with overall victories at UCI WorldTour events including the Tour de Suisse, for Rui Costa, and the Tour of the Basque Country, for Nairo Quintana.
Quintana, still only 23, has proved to be the discovery of the season. The Colombian won stage 20 of the Tour de France, as well as the King of the Mountains and best young rider competitions, en route to finishing second overall.
The squad has also claimed a host of victories in prestigious stage races, including four stage wins at the Giro d’Italia. British time trial champion, Alex Dowsett, claimed his first Grand Tour stage victory in Movistar colours, by winning the Giro’s stage eight time trial.
Movistar principal, Eusebio Unzue, described the partnership with Endura as “an important step forward” for his team.
“Today is an important day for the future of Movistar Team,” he said.
The 2014 Movistar kit is expected to be unveiled before the end of the year.
