SRAM and Zipp join forces with Team Wiggins

SRAM and Zipp will be providing the drivetrain and wheels, respectively, that Sir Bradley Wiggins and his Team Wiggins colleagues will be riding at the Tour de Yorkshire, which starts on Friday, with their sponsorship officially announced today.

While some of Team Sky’s sponsors have backed Wiggins’ new venture – the broadcaster itself, clothing supplier Rapha, Jaguar and of course Pinarello – during the past five seasons he’s ridden with Shimano componentry, including when winning the Tour de France in 2012.

SRAM CEO Stan Day said: “Partnering with Team Wiggins is a great way to associate young and upcoming riders with cutting edge SRAM drivetrain components and Zipp wheels.

“Not to mention having Sir Bradley Wiggins, who has already done so much for the sport in Great Britain and Europe, riding on SRAM and Zipp is a tremendous honour.”

The team’s bikes will run SRAM RED 22 drivetrains, plus Zipp carbon wheels including the 202 Tubular, designed for climbing, plus the 303, 404 and 808 Firecrest wheelsets. The 808 Firecrest will be used in time trials along with the Super-9 Disc.

Michael Hall, director of advanced development at Zipp, said: “The name Wiggins is synonymous with dedication, passion and innovation.

“We strive every day to use those same qualities to drive our design of the world’s fastest and most technically advanced carbon racing wheels.

“So, partnering with team Wiggins makes perfect sense for us. We’re proud to collaborate with Sir Bradley Wiggins and this great new development team in 2015."

Wiggins didn’t always have the happiest time with Shimano’s Di2 electronic shifters – problems with his gears cost him the chance to win the Giro del Trentino in 2013, his frustration expressed with possibly the most elegant bike toss we’ve ever seen.

Speaking of his team’s partnership with SRAM, which bought Zipp in 2007, he said: "I'm really happy to welcome SRAM aboard the team. Their componentry has been proven at the highest level and they have great innovative new products in store.

“Zipp wheels defined the speed standard in the peloton. The team and I are really pleased to partner with this technology leader.”

Joining Wiggins, who turns 35 today, as he makes his debut for the UCI Continental outfit in Bridlington on Friday will be Steven Burke, Mark Christian, Jon Dibben, Owain Doull, Chris Lawless, Dan Patten
and Andy Tennant.