Current Vacansoleil DCM bike supplier Bianchi has confirmed that it will transfer across to the Belkin Pro Cycling team for the next two years, with the Italian company to supply the Dutch squad during that period.
After a long association with Giant, the Belkin squad – which previously raced under the Rabobank and Blanco Pro Cycling titles – will switch to the new agreement next year.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that Giant will instead supply the Argos Shimano squad, which currently uses Felt bikes.
Today’s announcement will see Bianchi and Belkin partner up for 2014 and 2015. In addition to that, there is an option to extend beyond that point.
“Bianchi’s partnership with Belkin Pro Cycling Team will continue the company’s strategy to invest in high-performance racing and strengthen its position in the WorldTour,” the two said in a press statement.
Under the terms of the agreement, the team will be given Oltre XR.2 and Infinito machines, while a new aerodynamic carbon frame will be supplied for use in time trials. It will be unveiled at the beginning of the 2014 season.
“Bianchi is one of the best known bike brands in the world and part of the legacy of cycling, building their future on the knowledge of its incredible history,” said the team’s general manager Richard Plugge. “The match with Belkin is perfect; technical innovation is key for both Belkin and Bianchi. We are very happy to further build our team together with these two great partners.”
Meanwhile Bianchi’s CEO Bob Ippolito said that the company planned to work closely with the team’s riders in order to improve the product technology.
“We expect Bianchi’s dedicated product development in all typologies to complement Belkin’s well-balanced roster of GC contenders, sprinters, time trialists and Classic riders.”
The Vancansoleil DCM team has thus far been unable to secure sponsors for 2014 and looks set to stop.
Giant is expected to continue to supply the Rabobank women’s team in 2014. While it previously shared suppliers and partners with the men’s Rabobank team, the sponsor’s departure from the latter brought to an end the close link between the two squads.
The Belkin Pro Cycling team includes riders such as Bauke Mollema, who finished sixth in this year’s Tour de France, Robert Gesink, Lars Boom, Laurens Ten Dam and Wilco Kelderman.