Team Leopard-Trek New, World Class Pro Cycling Project announced in Luxembourg today. 06.01.2011: After more than half a year of solid efforts, including meticulous planning, rider recruitment and rigorous application processes, the Luxembourg Pro Cycling Project has finally come to full fruition. The team’s General Manager, Brian Nygaard revealed tod

After more than half a year of solid efforts, including meticulous planning, rider recruitment and rigorous application processes, the Luxembourg Pro Cycling Project has finally come to full fruition.



The team’s General Manager, Brian Nygaard revealed today to a packed house of media that the much anticipated Luxembourg-based team will be called, Team Leopard- Trek. The official presentation of the team will take place this evening at the Luxembourg Centre National Sportif et Culturel, better known as d'Coque.


Nygaard opened the afternoon press conference emphasizing the team’s identity and primary ambition: “We have developed our new team, aiming for a fresh and innovative style. Of utmost importance, though, is to take cycling back to its proper roots: It’s all about the racing”.


Judging by the team’s line-up, there is little doubt that the groundwork has been impeccably laid for a solid inaugural season. “With riders on the roster who can win from the first race of the season to the final, we are looking to be competitive in a lot races.” Nygaard said. “We are not going to win every race, but we are certainly here to make our mark in the biggest events”.


The varied list of talented riders reads like a who’s who for the peloton of the past five years: Daniele Bennati, Fabian Cancellara, Will Clarke, Stefan Denifl, Brice Feillu, Jakob Fuglsang , Linus Gerdemann, Dominic Klemme, Anders Lund, Maxime Monfort, Martin Mortensen, Giacomo Nizzolo, Stuart O'Grady, Martin Pedersen, Bruno Pires, Joost Posthuma, Andy Schleck, Frank Schleck, Tom Stamsnijder, Davide Vigano, Jens Voigt, Robert Wagner, Fabian Wegmann, Wouter Weylandt, and Oliver Zaugg.


“We couldn’t be happier with this group of riders. And I’m sure that racing in our new, beautiful kit they will continue to be an admired group of distinguished athletes. I have a good feeling that they truly will present the right attitude to their fans and to the media.” Nygaard confides.


“The people we have assembled to support the riders are a group that I am equally confident in. I think we have picked just the right people for this project. An important part of these are our Sports Directors who have hands-on experience and a deep intuitive knowledge to guide their athletes with, while simultaneously utilizing a science- based background,” Nygaard believes.

With the appointment of Kim Andersen as Team Manager and Luca Guercilena as Sports Director/trainer, it seems a sound ‘one-two punch’ in terms of optimal physical and tactical collaboration with the riders. “Add to this duo, other skilled tacticians and former riders like Lars Michaelsen, Torsten Schmidt, and Adriano Baffi; and we certainly have an exceptional assembly of Sports Directors to guide our young team,” said Nygaard.


The team’s full sponsor line-up was also revealed today, adding the big Luxembourgish energy company Enovos to the list of blue-chip partners like Mercedes-Benz who have already been announced. Enovos is the main provider of natural gas, electricity and services in the greater region around Luxemburg.


Leopard-Trek will also enjoy a strong assemblage of cycling-based sponsors, starting foremost with their Trek partnership. “Like Mercedes-Benz in the automobile industry, Trek is a benchmark brand with a history of success that is second to none. I am extremely proud that they will be a title sponsor for us. The riders are delighted to be riding their bikes and we all look forward to a fruitful multi-year partnership,” Nygaard said. Along with Trek, Shimano, Speedplay and Schwalbe will equipe the bikes with state-of-the-art materials.


The athletic and performance clothing, including the rider’s custom fit jerseys, will be provided by Craft, while Northwave will be supplying the team footwear. Oakley will be the eyewear sponsor. The team will be outfitted by Day, Birger et Mikkelsen, the Danish lifestyle brand. First Endurance and Science in Sport (SIS) will accommodate the rider’s dietary requirements.


“We couldn’t have hoped for a stronger, more cohesive group of sponsors. We are impressed by each of their industry-unique accomplishments and humbled by their enthusiasm to work with us,” Nygaard said. “In each prospective sponsor, we were seeking a reciprocal relationship that would be beneficial to both sides. Finally, we are completely ready to realize these benefits. We are all keen to hit the road as Team Leopard-Trek.”



Olivia Kaferly , Team Leopard-Trek


Photos from presentation will follow !