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Trek Bicycle of the US has signed a co-title sponsorship deal with Luxembourg-based Leopard True Racing. This was the formerly unnamed Luxembourg Pro Cycling Project, built around the Schleck brothers, Fränk and Andy.
The team also includes classics king Fabian Cancellara. At the Luxembourg launch he raised some laughs by referring to the (crazy) 2010 rumours about riding with an electric motor in his seat-tube.
Leopard Trek will be using a form of electric assistance: its bikes will be equipped with Shimano Dura-Ace components with Di2 technology.
Hennie Stamsnijder, Shimano’s Sports Marketing Manager said: “We are very happy that this top team has chosen for our Di2 components. Our electronic shifting technology has already proven itself in the previous seasons as a super reliable and precise system no matter the circumstances. We are looking forward to a good co-operation with this team in the coming four years.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQlkpyC_tnM
Leopard Trek will race team-issue Trek Madone and Speed Concept bicycles throughout 2011 and beyond.
Trek knows a thing or two about winning big cycle races: Lance Armstrong’s seven Tour de France victories were all done on Trek bikes.
“Ultimately we’re driven by the idea that we can make riders go faster,” said Trek’s Race Department Manager, Scott Daubert.
“We’ve developed a solid knowledge base that we have continued to build upon and expanded for more than a decade. It’s amazing when you see that work pay off and know that you helped be a catalyst for real, tangible results. It’s why I get up in the morning. It’s what we do best.”
Team leader Fränk Schleck said:
“Trek is more than just a bike sponsor. The company is our partner, our teammate, as important as any rider on the team. Their bikes will make us faster.”
