By Press Release – Specialized
MORGAN HILL, CA –October 1st, 2004. The Gerolsteiner Teamhave selected Specialized as their bicycle supplier of choice for 2005and beyond. The partnership ensures that Specialized S-Works bikes willbe present and highly visible in all Pro Tour cycling events in comingyears, including the Giro, Tour, Vuelta, and every major internationalrace. The team is presently third in UCI rankings and boasts World Cupleader Davide Rebellin and USA standout Levi Leipheimer, who will ridewith Specialized optics as well as the team frame.As the agreement between the German-based team and the Morgan Hill bikecompany came together, Gerolsteiner Manager, Hans Holczer, said, “Afterextensive testing both with our mechanics and in the field, we chose Specializedbicycles for their engineering prowess, light weight, and exceptional quality. The stiffness and ride characteristics of the S-Works Tarmac, in particular,are precisely what our riders require.”Specialized founder and president, Mike Sinyard, was visibly pleasedby the news. “The Gerolsteiner Team are known for their exactingstandards. To earn such praise and confidence is an honor…and confirmsthat our bikes have become most desirable among the best riders in theworld,” said Sinyard.The impact of the new partnership is even greater with the additionof Levi Leipheimer to the Gerolsteiner roster for 2005. The Americanapparently couldn’t restrain his enthusiasm, paying a covert visit to Specializedin Morgan Hill, California, in mid-September.“I wasn’t going to wait any longer to see the Tarmac first-hand andmeet the people behind it,” said Levi. “Gerolsteiner have great strengthand depth. Now, with a bike this light, I’ll perform better thanever. Good looking, too!” One can only assume he meant thebike.Specialized Bicycles, founded in Morgan Hill, CA in 1974, designed andmanufactured the first production mountain bike, which now resides in theSmithsonian Institute. Specialized is a company of devout cyclistsobsessed with creating cutting edge, functional and technically advancedproducts that provide a performance benefit for the cycling enthusiast.Specialized products are available exclusively through Specialized dealers,or on the Web at www.specialized.com.