Specialized to sponsor Peter Sagan’s new BORA – hansgrohe team in 2017

Peter Sagan’s move from Tinkoff to the BORA – hansgrohe (currently Bora-Argon 18 ) team in 2017 has been confirmed today, and it's also been revealed that he'll continue to use Specialized bikes and equipment.

The US brand has just confirmed it has signed a three-year deal with the team so supply bikes, helmets, shoes, tyres and wheels under its Roval brand. That means we’ll see Sagan continue to ride the Venge ViAS aero bike which he has been so successful aboard this year. 

“We are excited and honoured to partner with BORA – hansgrohe as they make the step up from Pro-Continental to World Tour. It’s a big step forward for the team, and for the sport of professional cycling. The team’s signing of Peter Sagan is a real show of force and demonstration of their expectations for the years ahead”, said Slate Olson, Chief Marketing Officer of Specialized.

“With The Tour de France starting in Dusseldorf next year, the timing could not be better for this German-based international team to rise up to the World Tour level.”

The news means that BORA’s previous bike sponsor, Canadian firm Argon 18, has been replaced, but there’s a rumour that it’ll take over from Specialized at Astana. If that is true, it could mean Specialized will only supply two teams in 2017, provided it continues with Etixx - Quick Step.

Mike Sinyard, Specialized’s Founder and CEO added: “Peter is a very special athlete, not only because of his great charisma and desire to use his platform in cycling to raise awareness for larger issues of the world, but also because he simply loves to ride his bike; from road racing, to cross-country, to fun riding on the Turbo Levo pedal-assist, Peter does it all. Everyone at Specialized shares Peter’s love of all-things-cycling and we could not be more honoured to continue our partnership with him, into the future.”

The deal will see Peter Sagan riding the Venge ViAS he has been riding so successfully this season. You can take a look at his bike from the Tour de France here

- Peter Sagan’s green Specialized Venge for Tour de France