Team Liquigas-Cannondale Becomes Team Cannondale
The new team will be built on the organizational structure of the current Team Liquigas-Cannondale and will dedicate its focus to further developing young talented riders. This change in strategy comes after the current team has seen some of its major stars transfer to competing teams for which they will compete starting from the 2013 season.
The team is extending its cooperation with Tour de France Green Jersey winner Peter Sagan, Moreno Moser and Elia Viviani and is keeping an pool of experienced veterans such as Ivan Basso who will seek to transfer their experience and knowledge to the young riders.
Cannondale, which is owned by Dorel Industries, reports that it is significantly increasing its investment with Brixia Sport in order for it to become title sponsor of the new team.
"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 (Liquigas-Cannondale) team push their limits on our bikes as we push the boundaries on what those bikes can do," General Manager of Cannondale Bob Burbank explained.
"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 classification jerseys - including the 2009 Polka Dot and the 2012 Green Jersey; and numerous smaller races.
“We are incredibly pleased with Cannondale’s decision to continue and increase its partnership with the team,” Brixia Sport President Paolo Zani commented.
"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 pro cycling."
Team Manager Roberto Amadio is equally pleased with the new deal, which turns Cannondale into the sole title sponsor of the team.
"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 strong international influence and we'll repay Cannondale’s trust in us with the utmost commitment and professionalism."