Shimano and Team Argos_Shimano are excited to announce that they extended their partnership for two more years. After a successful 2012 with over 25 victories including five stages in the Vuelta both parties signed a new agreement today.
Team Argos-Shimano proved to be strong team in 2012, specialized in sprint stages. John Degenkolb and Marcel Kittel were able to finish of the work of their teammates many times beating top teams with top sprinters. With the results from 2012 it is possible that Team Argos-Shimano will receive a WorldTour status for 2013.
Over the last few years Team Argos-Shimano developed an Asian Rider program to scout and train Asian talents. With this program the team supports and promotes cycling in Asia.
Iwan Spekenbrink owner Team Argos-Shimano: ”Today is a great day for us. Because of the renewed partnership with Shimano we are able to continue our strategy we formed last year. In 2012 it proved to be very successful and with Shimano as an innovative partner we know we race on the best products available for our team. Shimano played an important role in getting our team to the position where we are now. In these turbulent times Shimano shows that they are reliable and committed to our team and cycling.”
Marc van Rooij president of Shimano Europe: ”For Shimano it was no question if we would continue our sponsorship agreement with Team Argos-Shimano. Not even in these tough times for cycling. The team provides us a platform in the professional peloton where we can test our products, which is extremely valuable for us. With their feedback we are able to make world class rider tuned products. For the coming seasons we have the confidence Team Argos-Shimano will exceed its results from 2012. And with a possible WorldTour status we will be able to test our products better and on an even higher level.”
