Team Sky are close to concluding an agreement with a bike sponsor for the 2014 season – but it’s unknown whether they will continue with their current partners, Pinarello.
Team press officer Dario Cioni told BikeRadar, “At the present moment no agreement has been reached for 2014 as far as bike sponsorship. They are still working on details but they’re all quite close to conclusion. There should be an announcement quite soon.”
Asked if negotiations were with Pinarello – who also sponsor Spanish squad Movistar squad – Cioni added: “It’s a good chance it’s Pinarello. At the moment it cannot be confirmed.”
The British squad have ridden Pinarello bikes since the team were formed in 2010, and have won two Tours and an abundance of stage races on the frames. Chris Froome piloted the Dogma 65.1 road bike and new Bolide TT frame to victory in the 2013 Tour de France.
In June 2012, just prior to the conclusion of a 2013 deal with Pinarello, US brand Specialized were closely linked to the British team. Specialized declined to comment on any current sponsorship negotiations.