Apparel supplier Craft will continue to provide clothing for Leopard Trek in 2012, it was announced yesterday. The Luxembourg team will have a new look next year with RadioShack and Nissan coming on board as sponsors and will again don clothing from the Swedish company.
Team captains Andy and Frank Schleck wore the team gear made by Craft on the podium of the Tour de France this year when the brothers finished second and third, respectively.
“We had a great year working with Leopard Trek and we are excited that the collaboration will continue in 2012 under the name Radioshack Nissan Trek,” Magnus Månsson, Craft CEO said.
”It’s a true testament to our hard work of developing ergonomic and performance-driven cycling wear. The 2012 team will be highly competitive and aim for big victories, both in one-day races and stages races. It’s great to work with some of the world’s best athletes and to know that they appreciate our products.”
A statement sent out by the team said that the clothing will be customized to each rider’s unique requirements. Together with the Schleck brothers, other riders on the team include former multiple world time trial champion Fabian Cancellara and Tour of California winner Chris Horner.
The team has a highly impressive lineup, but is not yet guaranteed a ProTeam licence from the UCI. The team was left off the list of initial successful applicants for next year, and is due to come before the UCI’s Licence Committee this month to further present its case.
Should it receive the licence, it will have automatic entry to all WorldTour races such as the Tour de France and the major Classics on the UCI’s calendar.