Tom Boonen, Levi Leipheimer, Sylvain Chavanel, Tony Martin and the other members of the new Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team will be racing with Specialized bikes and helmets for 2012.
This isn’t the first time Specialized Founder and President Mike Sinyard and Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Team Manager Patrick Lefevere have partnered; the two joined forces for the 2007-09 seasons, with great results.During the three years that Specialized worked with the team the first time around, the team won more major races than any other team in professional cycling, including the 2007 World Road Race Championships, back-to-back Roubaix/Flanders victories and a Green Jersey at the Tour de France.The Omega Pharma – Quick-Step riders will have a deep range of advanced bicycles and gear to choose from Specialized’s elite S-Works division. Nothing is lighter and stiffer than the Tarmac SL4, which will be the team’s workhorse bike. The Venge, fresh off its Milan-San Remo and Green Jersey victories in 2011, will be the perfect choice for riders looking to minimize drag. Because smoother is faster, Boonen and company will opt for the S-Works Roubaix SL3 on the cobblestones. The Shiv TT will provide the fastest ride possible in every “race of truth.” The S-Works Prevail helmet will be the helmet of choice in road races while the TT3 will provide aero advantage and protection in time trials."Aligning with an outstanding company as Specialized is an important move to accelerate our position as a leading cycling team by offering great value to our riders, sponsors and supporters,” team manager Patrick Lefevere said.
“No other team matched our achievements when we were together the first time,” Lefevere said. “And Specialized was a major part of those results by developing bikes and equipment that gave the riders a real edge. This level of excellence and team approach to creating what the riders need is why we are partnering again, for even better results in the future.
