BIKE Channel and Canyon have joined forces to form Britain’s newest UCI Continental cycling team.
Tim Elverson will lead the outfit, which promises to inspire fans with a fresh insight into the world of professional bike racing.
And the owner, manager and sports director, formerly with Pedal Heaven, is relishing the prospect. He said:
“This is an exciting long-term project to be involved in that will allow me to develop and progress the squad across the coming seasons.
“The vibe and energy coming from the team already is great and we just can’t wait to go racing.”
BIKE Channel have penned a three-year agreement, giving Elverson crucial freedom to plan for the future.
In year one, he will go into battle with a 15-man squad, led by former ONE Pro Cycling sprinter Chris Opie.
Opie, who clinched the UCI 2.2 Ronde van Midden Nederland crown in his final appearance of the 2016 season, said:
“I’m really excited for 2017 with BIKE Channel Canyon. It is a fantastic opportunity and challenge for me.
“A team tied to a broadcaster gives us the opportunity to connect with our fans in ways which haven’t been explored before.
“I am looking forward to working with an enthusiastic, motivated and professional team who know how to race well and enjoy our sport at the same time.”
Elverson’s dynamic stable of young British talent also features nine riders who he worked with at Pedal Heaven last season.
Dexter Gardias, Jack Pullar, Rory Townsend, Harry Tanfield, Max Stedman, Joe Fry, Jake Womersley, Mitchell Webber and Alex Richardson are all on board.
And they have been joined by Rob Partridge and James Lowsley-Williams from NFTO, former Team Wiggins rider Sam Lowe and ex-JLT Condor man George Atkins.
Matt Nowell, who impressed with Wheelbase Altura last season, completes the squad after signing his first professional contract, with Simon Holt taking up the role of assistant sports director.
BIKE Channel Canyon will deliver an unparalleled insight into the world of professional cycling, through its title-sponsor BIKE Channel.
Viewers can look forward to documentaries, profiles and behind-the-scenes access, which will explore the lives of the riders in a unique and personal way.
Filippo Ubaldini, founder and chief executive of BIKE Channel, reckons it is a unique opportunity. He added:
“The BIKE Channel Canyon team represents a new model of cycling team – one which brings fans even closer to the action and shows them what it means to be
a professional cyclist.
“BIKE Channel’s viewers and fans will be able to take part in events and rides with the team. They will get to know the personality of every rider as never experienced before.”
Meanwhile, Canyon will supply the riders with their flagship models, offering a choice of the Aeroad CF SLX and Ultimate CF SLX.
Nick Allen, Canyon’s UK market manager, reckons the initiative will be a boost to the British cycling scene. He said:
“We are extremely excited to be co-title sponsor of the new British cycling team BIKE Channel Canyon.
“Canyon’s long-term investment in this new UCI Continental team is yet another way for us to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to the professional sport of cycling and its growth within the United Kingdom and Ireland.
“We are confident this will be a successful initiative, one which will serve to boost the British professional road cycling circuit and excite and inspire cycling fans around the country.
“It will also offer potential customers the opportunity to see Canyon road bikes in action and even test the bikes at selected team events and races.”
The suppliers of wheels and groupsets for the BIKE Channel Canyon team have yet to be announced.
BIKE Channel Canyon will also count Bikesoup, the online magazine and cyclopedia, and Brother UK as key partners.
Salice and High5 have signed up as product sponsor, while Sidi, Astute and Arundel are also on board through suppliers Saddleback,
The suppliers of wheels and groupsets have yet to be confirmed. BIKE Channel Canyon are likely to make their debut on the road in the Perfs Pedal in February.
