Key addition announced
Prestigious brand to support Telefónica-backed squad with top componentry for the next two years in both the UCI WorldTour and Women's WorldTour.
SRAM and the Movistar Team proudly announced Thursday their sponsorship agreement, which will see the Blues using SRAM componentry and Zipp wheels through 2021.
Founded in 1980, the men’s team has featured a long list of dynamic and predominantly Spanish cycling legends who’ve won a significant number of national, world, and grand tour titles. Amazingly, the team had three riders finish in the top ten at the 2019 Tour de France, including a current captain, Alejandro Valverde (ESP). Young Spanish climber Enric Mas, who has garnered several best young rider jerseys, will look to challenge at a major tour in 2020.
The women’s team was introduced in 2018, and is led by Spanish road champion Lourdes Oyarbide and Spanish individual time trial champion Sheyla Gutiérrez. In its short tenure the team has garnered seven national titles, and several major race wins.
The entire team is equipped with SRAM’s wireless RED eTap AXS HRD componentry, and this year will be the entire team’s first season exclusively on disc brakes. SRAM’s AXS gearing features a wider gear range and closer gear progression than traditional systems. While there are numerous gearing options, and riders will make individual determinations for specific races, the women’s team will predominantly ride the 48/35 chainrings, while the men will most often ride the 50/37. Both teams prefer the 10-33 cassette. The team’s wheel inventory includes the entire Zipp Firecrest and Zipp NSW lineup.
“I have been very curious about SRAM and Zipp for many years, and I am excited to be a part of the SRAM family. The componentry and the technology, the support, and how well they listen to the riders is unique and impressive,” said Alejandro Valverde.
“I look forward to racing on the new AXS gearing ranges. The idea of smaller steps between the gears should benefit a rider like me who relies on a consistent cadence when I time trial or climb,” added Enric Mas.
“I always enjoyed racing SRAM, they always make things that benefit the rider, and it’s always cool to race the newest componentry!” stated Barbara Guarischi.
“After 37 years, we are switching to SRAM and Zipp, this is a historic change that we do not take lightly, but we see a great opportunity to partner with technology leaders in drivetrain and wheels,” said Movistar Team General Manager, Eusebio Unzué.
The men will begin their season at the Tour Down Under, while the women’s first race will be the Vuelta CV Féminas.
All pictures (c): Baixauli Studio