NETAPP-ENDURA TO CHANGE TEAM NAME
Team NetApp-Endura, which takes to the Tour de France start line in Leeds on Saturday, will undergo a name change for 2015 with a German company returning to cycling as title sponsor.
California-based IT company NetApp and the Scottish cycling clothing brand Endura will not renew their contracts as title sponsors, the team announced on Thursday.
The new sponsor will be announced on July 15, with a German company returning to cycling as a main sponsor for the first time since 2010.
Team NetApp-Endura manager Ralph Denk said: "Although the withdrawal of the main sponsor usually causes a major crisis for a cycling team, for us it has opened up a brand new chance.
"We jumped at the opportunity and secured for ourselves long-term stability up until 2019.
"Of course, I'm especially happy that we've managed to do that with a German company. For me, it's a very clear message for the sport of cycling in Germany.
"For the team, it will be more than just a name change. We'll also take the chance to give our squad a new face.
"We'll sign on new talents and also strengthen our German roots."
