Soudal Quick-Step and AG Insurance-Soudal Teams Partner with Merida for New Cycling Season
A significant change is coming to the professional cycling world: after 20 years of collaboration with Specialized, the Soudal Quick-Step team, along with its affiliated women's team, AG Insurance-Soudal, will be equipped with Merida bicycles starting next season. This announcement marks a new chapter for the teams, with the men's squad also rebranding as Soudal Safety Jogger. This long-standing alliance with Specialized has been incredibly fruitful, yielding numerous victories in classic races, Grand Tour sprint stages with riders like Mark Cavendish and Marcel Kittel, and even a Grand Tour win for Remco Evenepoel.
The transition entails moving from models such as the S-Works Tarmac SL9 to Merida's Reacto and Time-Warp bikes. This new partnership, initially set to run until 2030, will see the bikes outfitted with Shimano Dura-Ace groupsets, wheels, and pedals, complemented by Continental tires. Additionally, riders will utilize new saddles from Prologo, shoes from Sidi, and helmets from Lazer. Merida's return to the WorldTour follows a year-long absence, having previously been associated with the Bahrain Victorious team.
Team representatives emphasized that the decision followed a year of meticulous research and evaluation led by technical development head Nicolas Coosemans and performance coach Koen Pelgrim. Products underwent rigorous testing in both controlled environments, including wind tunnels, and actual road conditions. This thorough approach was designed to ensure that every aspect of the technical package contributes to peak performance. CEO Jurgen Foré expressed excitement not only about the new equipment but also about the collaborative expertise that each new partner brings, highlighting a shared commitment to continuous development through close interaction with riders and performance staff.
This strategic shift represents a forward-looking approach to maximizing athletic potential and fostering innovation within professional cycling. By embracing new technological partnerships and focusing on meticulous equipment evaluation, the teams are poised to achieve greater success and inspire a positive, progressive future in the sport. This commitment to excellence and continuous improvement embodies the spirit of competition and dedication.