Both ONE Pro Cycling and Boardman Bikes announced a partnership between the two today, which will see the brand supply the British Continental team with bikes for the next three seasons.
The headline race bike is the aero Boardman AIR 9.8, while for time trials the team will be on Boardman TTE 9.8s, and will also be supplied with the lightweight Boardman SLR Race 9.8 for training and hillier races.
The frames will be built up with Shimano Dura ace Di2 groupsets, with FSA supplying drive train components including power meters and the cockpit for road bikes. Vision will be providing Metron 40 and 55 wheels, as well as TT aero bars. Prologo saddles, Vittoria tires and Speedplay pedals complete the finished bike.
Boardman Air 9.8 in One Pro Cycling colours
The team was registered with the UCI as Pro Continental team in 2016, but after a shortfall in funding is making a step down to Continental level in 2017. They are due to start their 2017 campaign at the Dubai Tour in early February.
'I am delighted to welcome Boardman as ONE Pro Cycling’s Official Bike sponsor,' said ONE Pro Cycling's manager Matt Prior. 'From our initial meetings I was hugely impressed by the way they operated and their vision for the future. This is a brand that is clearly heading in the right direction and doing it the right way.
'The announcement of Boardman’s new Performance Centre is a great example of how the company is evolving. In particular, the chance to work alongside Boardman in their own cycling specific wind tunnel will be a great asset to our team’s development.
Chris Boardman with Matt Prior
'I am thoroughly looking forward to working with Chris and all the staff at Boardman. To be working with a British bike brand is something I’ve always wanted for ONE Pro Cycling and this I’m sure is the start of a very successful relationship for both parties.'
Boardman himself said: 'It’s great to be back in the peloton and even better to be doing it with a fantastic UK team. Along with the opening of our Performance Centre, 2017 promises to be an exciting one.'