American bicycle manufacturer Trek will be the co-title sponsor of a leading British women's team for the 2018 season. The newly named Trek-Drops team had already been using the brand's bikes and hardware, but will now carry the manufacturer's name front and centre on their jerseys.
The move points to Trek's further commitement to women's cycling and should be indicative of an increase in women's cycling as a sport, spectator attraction and market for bike sales.
Trek has been on board with the team since its launch in 2015 and this move increases its investment and involvement.
'Our continued partnership with Trek is extremely exciting,' said Tom Varney, Trek-Drops Team Manager.
'We’ve always had a good relationship with the brand, and this next step will allow the team to continue to increase in stature and performance in the field of professional women’s road racing.'
Trek-Drops will race with 10 full time riders in 2018 and are set to start their season in Australia at the Santos Women's Tour in January.
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As in 2017, the team will continue to race on Trek Émonda road bikes in Miami Green, and Speed Concept time trial bikes.
Using Trek's subsiderary brand, the team will ride on Bontrager wheels and cockpits, and wear Bontrager XXX road shoes.
'We are overjoyed by the opportunity to support the Trek-Drops team in this next chapter,' said Emily Bremer, Trek’s Global Women’s Marketing Manager.
'The women on this team are incredibly gifted and devoted athletes. They will be a team to watch out for this year.'
Trek-Drops' headline new signing is Tayler Wiles (USA), the winner of the 2017 Tour of the Gila. She's joined by Molly Weaver (GBR) and Eva Buurman (NED).
Trek-Drops team roster, 2018
Eva Buurman (NED)
Anna Christian (GBR)
Lizzie Holden (GBR)
Kathrin Hammes (GER)
Manon Lloyd (GBR)
Annasley Park (GBR)
Abby-Mae Parkinson (GBR)
Hannah Payton (GBR)
Lucy Shaw (GBR)
Annie Simpson (GBR)
Abi van Twisk (GBR)
Molly Weaver (GBR)
Tayler Wiles (USA)
