Five weeks after announcing the creation of Dream Team Professional Cycling, British online cycle retailer Wiggle has been unveiled as its title sponsor. The new women’s UCI team, which boasts former two-time World champion Giorgia Bronzini, Commonwealth champion Rochelle Gilmore, and British Olympic champions Dani King, Joanna Rowsell and Laura Trott, will be known as Wiggle-Honda for the next three years.
“Women have traditionally ridden for contracts as little as one-tenth of what the men earn,” said Gilmore, who is also the team owner. “If you want to get the best out of an athlete you need to provide them with what they need—and all too often funding shortfalls mean women cyclists are not provided what they need.
“Our team philosophy is all about the athletes. The deal with Wiggle.co.uk enables us to provide better salaries and the supportive environment our athletes deserve and need so they can reach their full potential.”
Humphrey Cobbold, Wiggle chief executive, echoed Gilmore’s sentiments:
“Wiggle is all about providing the best,” he said. “It’s a privilege to support Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling. We look forward to playing a pivotal role in supporting this tremendous group of athletes and hope that our partnership will motivate future female cycling champions the world over.”
20-year-old Trott, who took two gold medals in London 2012, will be making the transition from track superstar to road rider with Wiggle-Honda, and welcomes the support of the new sponsor.
“We are very privileged to have the support of Wiggle – a global project which has the aspiration to raise the professionalism of women’s cycling,” she said.
Wiggle joins Honda Motor Europe as a name sponsor for the team, whic also enjoys the backing of the Bradley Wiggins Foundation.
“I have personally been a Wiggle customer for years and look forward to working closely with the team to ensure that the athletes are well looked after throughout the season,” said the Tour de France winner.
Contrary to the previous announcement that the team was to ride Pinarello frames, it will now be riding C59 frames from Italian rival Colnago.
The team’s season will begin on February 3rd with the Tour of Qatar, where Gilmore and Bronzini have both taken stage victories in previous years; it will then head to Europe where it will focus on one-day races, including UCI World Cup Events.
More information on the team can be found at www.wigglehonda.com