September 3/08 9:06 am - Specialized and Team Saxo Bank Join Forces

Posted by Editor on 09/3/08
 

Specialized and Team Saxo Bank Join Forces

"I am pleased to announce that Specialized and Team Saxo Bank will join forces starting with the 2009 racing season," said Mike Sinyard, President and Founder of Specialized. "Bjarne (Riis) and I have been talking about working together for years. It is a natural relationship based on parallel visions and values. Both Specialized and Team Saxo Bank are extremely driven and aim to be the best in our respective fields. Our cooperation will enable each of us to achieve more than ever before."

Bjarne Riis added, "I am really excited to start this new partnership, and I think that we can create great things together with Specialized. We have had a lot of different possibilities in terms of equipment for the coming years, including working together with our existing partners, but we have chosen to embark on a new project, and we are ready to take the next step with Specialized. There has been a clear mutual understanding and a good business fit between the two companies from day one, and I am convinced that it will become clear to everyone that these are two highly ambitious organizations that are going to collaborate closely in this deal. I chose Specialized based on our common vision, their excellent bikes and equipment, combined with their ability to develop future materials that will help us win."

Starting with the 2009 racing season, Specialized will be the official supplier of complete bikes and shoes to Riis Cycling/Team Saxo Bank for at least three years.

"For my team, the bikes and equipment must be perfect. During my visits to Specialized, I have met with the engineering team and ridden the materials personally. I am very impressed with Specialized bikes, equipment and the Specialized development process overall. I know we will push Specialized to constantly improve, and I know Specialized will make the materials that will help us win races," Riis said.

Specialized continues as the bike, helmet and optics supplier to Team QuickStep and supplies multiple pro and development teams with helmets and optics. In 2009, over 100 top European pro riders will ride Specialized Body Geometry shoes.