Trek Bicycle Corporation, jointly with Luxembourg-based Leopard True Racing, yesterday announced its co-title sponsorship of the formerly unnamed Luxembourg Pro Cycling Project team, creating Team Leopard-Trek.

Featuring podium regulars Fränk Schleck and Andy Schleck, as well as time trial king Fabian Cancellara AKA Spartacus, Team Leopard-Trek will race team-issued Trek Madone and Trek Speed Concept bicycles throughout 2011.

Trek's race department will play an integral role in the foundation of the new team, supplying all cycling equipment for Team Leopard-Trek and serving as day-to-day technical advisors for the team.

"Ultimately we're driven by the idea that we can make riders go faster," Trek's Race Department Manager Scott Daubert commented.

Daubert added "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."

It will be interesting to find out if staff and riders will be able to shake off the insecurity and nervousness that so clearly affected many of them during yesterday's team presentation in Luxembourg.

According to a team spokesperson the riders have already begun preparations for the 2011 race calendar, dialing in measurements, making adjustments and getting acclimated to their new Trek equipment.

"Trek is more than just a bike sponsor," Team Leopard-Trek captain Fränk Schleck stated and added "They are our partner, our teammate, [and] as important as any rider on the team. They will make us faster."