Taizo Shimano, Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Bicycle Components Division has announced as part of the brand’s 100-Year Anniversary that Shimano has signed a major extended partnership with Amaury Sport Organization (A.S.O.), owner of the biggest races in pro cycling, including the Tour de France, La Vuelta Spain, Paris-Nice and the Critérium du Dauphiné, as well as legendary one-day classics Paris-Roubaix, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Flèche Wallonne and Paris-Tours, to it be its official neutral support provider. This means all those bright yellow Mavic cars we know and love will be replaced by Shimano blue cars this year.
Confirming rumors that there will be a new Dura-Ace road group released this year?
Most likely yes since Shimano provides parts to most if not all the top teams in the peleton.
According to the press release, “This partnership will see Shimano leveraging 20 years of neutral support experience and know-how to support all riders in selected A.S.O. races, no matter which drivetrain brand they use, helping them to get their bikes operating at the optimum level. The iconic blue of Shimano will adorn the neutral support cars in all A.S.O. WorldTour, Continental and Women’s races, offering all riders assistance to get back on the road as quickly as possible in the event of a crash or mechanical issue. The new agreement complements Shimano’s 20-year old neutral support program which originated at the Spring Classics such as the Tour of Flanders and Amstel Gold, and progressed to La Vuelta, where Shimano already has a strong working relationship with the A.S.O., and latterly to the Giro D’Italia, helping Shimano in its goal of becoming the favored brand for consumers and customers alike.”
Watch Taizo Shimano’s official announcement below:
Prediction: those blue cars will blend in with the other team cars which will, somehow in some race someday, have a negative impact. I don’t know how, just sayin’.