Liquigas-Cannondale Becomes Cannondale Pro Cycling Team

Back in August it we wrote that Brixia Sport had acquired Liquigas Sport (read here). The next step in the team's future was announced today in the following press release.


Bethel, Conn. – September 20, 2012 – Cannondale, a premium brand of Dorel Industries, announced today that it is significantly increasing its investment with Brixia Sport to become the title sponsor of their pro cycling team, newly named "Cannondale Pro Cycling Team." The relationship is effective January 1, 2013. For 2013 and beyond, Cannondale and the team will focus on the development of a young stable of incredible talent including Peter Sagan, the winner of the Green Jersey at the 2012 Tour de France, Moreno Moser and Elia Viviani. These riders will, in turn, be guided by committed veterans like Ivan Basso.

"Cannondale is excited to partner with Brixia Sport to be the title sponsor of the Cannondale Pro Cycling Team. Innovation leadership is part of our DNA. For the past six years, it has been a thrill to watch the team push their limits on our bikes as we push the boundaries on what those bikes can do," said Bob Burbank, General Manager, Cannondale. "With the title sponsorship, our dealers and consumers can expect to see us really challenge the status quo and develop programs and opportunities that demonstrate our continued commitment to professional cycling in new and exciting ways that will be undeniably Cannondale."

Cannondale began its relationship with the team in 2007 as the technical sponsor for the Liquigas Pro Cycling Team. In January of 2010, Cannondale became a co-sponsor of the Liquigas-Cannondale Team. Since 2007, the team has won: three Grand Tours including the Giro d'Italia in 2007 and 2010 and the Vuelta a Espana in 2010; two Tour de France jerseys, including the 2009 Polka Dot and the 2012 Green Jersey; and, countless prestigious individual races.

Throughout the relationship, the team has ridden the race-proven line of Cannondale road bikes including the SuperSix, Slice, Slice RS, Synapse and the recently named "Best Bike in the World" SuperSix EVO Ultimate.

"Fans of the sport and Cannondale can expect to see one of the world's best race teams riding on the most exciting bikes available," said Burbank. "It's truly a partnership in innovation and excellence."

"We are incredibly pleased with Cannondale's decision to continue and increase its partnership with the team," said Paolo Zani, President, Brixia Sport. "We share the same goal of furthering a sports project that has produced exciting results in recent years. We are convinced that the Cannondale Pro Cycling Team will be one of the most competitive teams in international cycling. Combining the Italian tradition of cycling with the naturally innovative spirit of a brand like Cannondale will initiate the genesis of an international team that will always be a main contender wherever it competes."

"The qualities with which the Cannondale Pro Cycling Team sports partnership begins will provide great motivation for the entire organisation at Brixia Sport," said Team Manager Roberto Amadio. "The experience and expertise we have gained since 2005 form a solid foundation on which to build the future of the new team. We have ambitious goals and the right structure to ensure we achieve them. We'll have a sound squad with a focus on young riders and a strongly international influence. We will repay Cannondale's trust in us with the utmost commitment and professionalism. The team is thrilled to know that they continue to ride on the best bike in the world.


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