Astute announce new partnerships with Dimension Data and Team Direct Energie
Astute Italia are proud to announce new technical partnerships with World Tour Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka and Professional Continental outfit Team Direct Energie for the coming 2018 season. With the full range of Astute saddles at their disposal the 'Race Comfort' of Astute will help carry both teams to new levels of success come January 1st 2018.
With this new synergy Astute aims to establish and solidify themselves within the world of top level professional racing and showcase the technology, style and high level Italian handmade manufacturing of its products. It is an honor to be associated with 2 of the most exciting and well known teams in professional cycling who will put to test the “Race Comfort” characteristics of the Astute brand. Astute saddles, covered by 7 international patents will play a crucial role in both the build up and execution of the teams main season goals which include the classics, all 3 grand tours and the world championships.
Team Direct Energy are headed by the passionate ex professional Jean-René Bernaudeau and are a squad well known for their fighting spirit and rich racing history. This Iconic French team will miss the expertise of the charismatic Frenchman Thomas Voeckler who retired in July this year after his final Tour de France but will still aim to be one of the main contenders during the Northern Classics and at the Tour de France in 2018. The new season roster includes some of most talented cycling prospects in France, many who have progressed through the well known Vendée U Pays de la Loire development program including 2017 Tour Stage winner Lilian Calmejane as well as experienced road captain and 17 time Tour de France legend Sylvain Chavanel who will continue for his final season and a record breaking 18th Tour start. With the 2018 Tour's first week going through the teams home region expect to see Benaudeau's men in almost every breakaway come Le Grand Depart in July.
Team Dimention Data were founded in 2007 and made history as the first African Team to contest the Tour De France in 2015. Their connection with the Qhubeka foundation, a World Bicycle Relief charity has helped contribute tens of thousands of bicycles to individuals and areas in need over the past 10 years. With 7 Tour de France stage wins to date including 4 in 2016 thanks to star sprinter Mark Cavendish, Dimension Data for Qhubeka will be aiming to perform in all 3 grand tours next season as well as supporting Cavendish in the sprints as he edges closer to the all time Tour de France stage win record of 34 currently held by the legendary Eddy Merckx.
"For us these partnerships represent a new and exciting challenge and we are happy to supply both teams with our quality products and have them recognised on the world scene” - said Andrea Rizzato, CEO of Astute – “Achieving a partnership with Direct Energie and Dimension Data represents an important result for our company and it will permit us to increase the feedback and scientific data for the development of future Astute projects."
Covering every cycling discipline from road, mtb, chrono, track and triathlon and available in multiple widths and construction materials there is sure to be an Astute Saddle that will meet the needs of every cyclist. Astute saddles are available exclusively through the FE Sports network of quality retailers so head to our Store Locator to find your closest stockist and speak to them about your Astute Italia saddle options today!
