Contrary to rumours that it could be set to switch to Specialized next year, Team Sky has announced an extension to its partnership with Pinarello bikes through 2013. The Treviso, Italy, based company, which has carried riders like Miguel Indurain, Bjarne Riis and Jan Ullrich to Tour de France victory - and could be set to do so again with Team Sky’s Bradley Wiggins - was a founding partner with the British team, providing it with Dogma 2 road, and Graal time trial frames.
“Team Sky are really happy to have Pinarello as a partner and look forward to building upon what is already a really strong working relationship,” said Carsten Jeppesen, Team Sky’s head of operations. “From a performance perspective we have come a long way in the three years we have been working with Pinarello to date. Their dedication to performance and servicing the team really sets them apart.
“Together we have developed a number of new models which have performed at the highest level and we aim to continue that trend,” he added. “We already have some exciting plans for next year on the development front. As a team we are always looking to improve and with Pinarello we have the best possible opportunity to do that.”
With Mark Cavendish having ridden Specialized bikes in his final year with HTC-Highroad, and having ridden one of the California company’s McLaren Venge frames to success in the Tour de France and World championships, it was rumoured that they were to be reunited once again next year.
Instead, Pinarello has extended its contract with the World champion’s team for at least another year.
“Working with Team Sky has been hugely rewarding for Pinarello in the last three years and we are delighted that the team will again use our bikes during the 2013 season,” said Fausto Pinarello, president of Cicli Pinarello.
“Pinarello and Team Sky have worked closely together to develop our bikes and we’re proud to have played a part in Team Sky becoming the best team in the world. 2012 has been a great season so far but there is so much more to come in the near and long-term future.
“We’re already working hard to ensure Team Sky will again have the best bikes in the peloton in 2013.”