The cycling project 1t4i has found a new main sponsor after almost two years in which it was on the road as the Argos-Shimano team. This season, the team will go on the hunt for success under the name Giant-Shimano.
The deal was made possible after the world's largest bike manufacturer cut its ties with Team Belkin. For Marcel Kittel, John Degenkolb and Co. it means with immediate effect: New tools, new clothes – same tasks!
As Giant announced in a press release, in addition to the WorldTour team, there will also be a development team, which will be equipped with a Continental license, and the women's team Liv/giant. Team manager Iwan Spekenbrink was correspondingly impressed by the commitment: “We are very proud and happy that Giant gives confidence to our cyclists, our team organization and our overall sporting vision. [...] The idea of establishing a new sporty cycling concept together with GIANT generated great enthusiasm among us, our riders and the entire cycling scene.”
According to Spekenbrink, the aim of the cooperation is "To advance cycling and to do everything to push professional cyclists, coaches and teams to new peak performances."
Giant is also looking forward to working with them. Tony Lo, CEO of Giant, sees a lot of potential in this: “We are excited about joining forces with this young, progressive and dynamic team and their overall sporting vision. Together with the team organization we share the mission to change cycling, move it forward and inspire the generations of riders to come.”
WorldTour team Giant-Shimano will be led by Kittel. The man from Arnstadt won four stages of the Tour de France last year, including the final stage on the Champs Elyseés, and wore the yellow and green jerseys. Degenkolb also wants to show himself again and especially shine in the classics. And the 22-year-old Dutch cyclocross star Lars van der Haar, who currently leads the cyclocross world cup, will also be part of the team from March.
The team will start at all WorldTour races such as the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia or the Vuelta. The tools used by the team include the Propel Advanced SL and TCR Advanced SL.
The ProTeam Liv/giant is led by Kirsten Wild and Claudia Häusler and focuses on the most important stage and World Cup races.