Specialized-lululemon riders will use SRAM Red on their Specialized Amira bikes in 2013, the American components manufacturer has announced. The top women’s team, which scored more than 60 wins in 2012 after being formed from the ashes of the folding HTC-Highroad team, previously used Shimano Di2 Dura-Ace - as it did for many years in its previous guise - but is looking forward to “making the leap.”
“We look forward to working with SRAM in 2013, and riding on SRAM Red,” said team owner Kristy Scrymgeour. “SRAM not only delivers technical performance on the bike but the staff also offers excellent service and as a company they are big believers in the potential for women’s cycling. It’s important to us to work closely with companies that support our goal to help grow the sport.”
The team has made a number of changes for 2013, but retains the same core of experienced riders, alongside a number of developing youngsters.
“I’m excited for features like reach-adjust, technologies like YaW, and innovations like WiFli,” said German sprinter Ina Teutenberg, one of the team’s most experienced riders, and most consistent winner.
As well as Red components - which will include R2C and 900 time trial shifters, and 990 aero brake levers - the team will also switch to SRAM subsidiary Zipp’s Service Course bars, stems and seatposts, having previously used Specialized’s own brand parts.
“We expect this team to represent us at the highest level of cycling and continue to align our componentry with winning. This team strives for excellence.” said SRAM’s Global Sponsorship Manager, Alex Wassmann.
Specialized-lululemon recently completed its first training camp of the winter, in Faro, Portugal, where they rode their new bikes and became accustomed to their new SRAM Components.
Click here to read about the team’s time trial training, here to see our video interview with American star Evie Stevens, and here for our video interview with Dutch powerhouse Ellen van Dijk.