Published January 13, 2014 10:11AM
Giant will sponsor a trio of cycling teams for 2014, it was announced Monday.
As reported last week, the bike manufacturer is the new title sponsor for the UCI ProTeam formerly known as Argos-Shimano, which boasts such riders as Marcel Kittel and John Degenkolb. The squad will now be called Team Giant-Shimano.
The company is also sponsoring a men’s development team and the Liv-Giant pro women’s team. Giant will supply bikes and gear for each of the squads in its lineup.
“We are very proud of the confidence that Giant has shown in our athletes, our organization and our vision,” Giant-Shimano general manager Iwan Spekenbrink said in a press release. “By stepping up after our planned title sponsor departed, Giant is demonstrating their belief in the superior results, global reach and integrity we have established over the last several years. The idea of building a new concept in pro cycling, together with Giant, has been welcomed with great enthusiasm by the riders and the entire organization.”
Argos-Shimano announced in October it would have a new backer for three seasons starting in 2014, but that deal fell through.