On the occasion of its centennial, Shimano has announced an expanded partnership with the Amaury Sport Organization (A.S.O.), the organizer of prestigious stage races such as the Tour de France, the Vuelta, Paris-Nice and the Critérium du Dauphiné, as well as prestigious one-day classics such as Paris-Roubaix, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Flèche Wallonne and Paris-Tours. Shimano will support all riders in select A.S.O. races, regardless of which drivetrain brand they use, helping them to operate their bikes at the optimum level. Shimano’s iconic blue will adorn the neutral support cars at all A.S.O. World Tour, Continental and women’s races, assisting all riders in the event of a crash or mechanical issues to get back on the road as quickly as possible.
The new agreement complements Shimano’s 20-year-old neutral support program, which originated in spring classics such as the Tour of Flanders and Amstel Gold and evolved to La Vuelta, where Shimano already has a strong working relationship with A.S.O., and most recently the Giro D’Italia. “Shimano’s mission is to inspire people to take up the sport and keep bikes in top shape,” said Shimano’s executive VP, Taizo Shimano.
As a result, French bicycle component supplier Mavic will most likely retire as a longtime neutral technical partner of the Tour de France. The end of Mavic’s yellow neutral support vehicles at the Tour de France would mark the end of an era. Founded in 1898, Mavic is one of France’s oldest companies.
Photo: © Shimano
