New two year deal struck with Japanese company
Team Argos-Shimano today announced a contract extension with sponsor Shimano. The Japanese componenet manufacturer has extended its contract with the Dutch team for two more years, taking it until the end of 2014.
The news further extends a partnership which began when the team was previously known as Skil Shimano.
“Today is a great day for us. Because of the renewed partnership with Shimano we are able to continue our strategy we formed last year,” said team owner Iwan Spekenbrink.
“In 2012 it proved to be very successful and with Shimano as an innovative partner we know we race on the best products available for our team. Shimano played an important role in getting our team to the position where we are now. In these turbulent times Shimano shows that they are reliable and committed to our team and cycling.”
2012 was a successful seasons for the team, with a number of important results. John Degenkolb and Marcel Kittel finished first and second respectively on the Europe Tour, Degenkolb also won five stages of the Vuelta a España while Kittel notched up a total of thirteen wins.
The team management and rides are waiting to find out if their application for a WorldTour licence in 2013 will be successful.
Marc van Rooij, president of Shimano Europe said the extended support was a given, thus reflecting his satisfaction with the team. ”For Shimano it was no question if we would continue our sponsorship agreement with Team Argos-Shimano. Not even in these tough times for cycling. The team provides us a platform in the professional peloton where we can test our products, which is extremely valuable for us.
“With their feedback we are able to make world class rider-tuned products. For the coming seasons we have the confidence Team Argos-Shimano will exceed its results from 2012. And with a possible WorldTour status, we will be able to test our products better and on an even higher level.”
Argos-Shimano has added more firepower to its line up for next season with Reinardt Janse van Rensburg moving from MTN-Qhubeka. Other acquisitions include Luka Mezgec, Francois Parisien, Tom Peterson, Georg Preidler, Will Clarke, Jonas Ahlstrand and Nikias Arndt.