Cycling: The bicycle brand BH Bikes is back in the professional racing circuit. The Basques join Team Direct Energie as a bike sponsor, the successor to Team Europcar.
Team Europcar is not only getting a new name for the coming season, but also new material. In the coming season, Thomas Voeckler and Co. will be using the G6 Pro and Ultraligt Evo models from the manufacturer BH Bikes from northern Spain. This was announced by the professional team Direct Energie and BH Bikes at the weekend. Components provide FSA Vision and Prologo.
Team manager Jean Renè Bernaudeau says about the cooperation: “We chose the Spanish brand with its headquarters in Vitoria/Basque Country because their frames are innovative, efficient and very reliable. We have already had good experiences with FSA in recent years, the brand stands for quality and we look forward to working together again.” Unai De La Fuente, Managing Director at BH BIKES, said: “We are happy to be working with the best again to be part of cycling races in the world. This time with Team Direct Energie, who will test and present our products to the world like no other. Technology, innovation, rigidity, lightweight construction and aerodynamics have been key attributes for our company since 1909 and we hope to remain so for many years to come. The presence of the team in races like the Tour de France will give us all a lot of motivation.”
Europcar withdraws after five years as main sponsor, the new name sponsor Direct Energie is an energy supplier. So far, the team has ridden on bikes from the Italian brand Colnago. One of the team's top performers will continue to be Thomas Voeckler from Alsace, multiple Tour de France stage winner and winner of the Maillot Jaune. In addition, the seven-time French champion Sylvain Chavanel is moving from IAM Cycling to Direct Energie. Pierre Rolland, on the other hand, is leaving the team for Cannondale-Garmin.