Have we seen the end of the Cervélo Test Team? That seems to be case as the company announced today that it would not be continuing as a title sponsor after the end of this season. However, this doesn’t sound like it will be the end of Cervélo bikes in the Tour, or in other major races. We’ll post more as news develops.
UPDATE: CyclyingNews.com reported that Cervélo could be the bike du jour in next year’s Tour for the Garmin-Transitions team, which could become the Garmin-Cervélo Team.
“The bike manufacturer has been linked with the Garmin-Transitions team as a possible replacement for the American squad’s Felt sponsorship, with Transitions dropping from the second sponsor slot and Cervelo taking over in their place. Neither team confirmed this.”
The official statement from Cervélo:
26-Aug-2010: Cervélo confirmed today that it would not continue as a cycling team title sponsor after the end of the 2010 season.
Certain subtle changes in the rules that govern pro cycling, have established a trend towards bigger budgets to ensure participation in all the big races, and this is not something with which we are comfortable. We were okay with the significant commitment we originally made to the team, but to increase it is not prudent.
To create the best opportunities for riders, staff, sponsors and other stakeholders, a bigger team environment is needed. At the same time, the very positive response to a focus on “more than just racing” has been great.
We look forward to continued involvement in pro cycling at the highest level with an emphasis on product R&D, as we have since 2003. To that end, we will announce the details soon.