The 16 riders of Aqua Blue Sport will be racing aboard Ridley bikes, it has been revealed. Details of a two-year partnership between the Irish-backed team and the Belgian manufacturer were announced today, with Ridley to supply its three flagship frame models in the custom Aqua Blue Sport livery of navy and gold.
The team will primarily be riding the Ridley Noah SL in competition during the 2017 and 2018 seasons although Austrian climbing specialist Stefan Denifl has opted for the new Ridley Helium SLX as his superlight bike of choice. For team and individual time trials, the riders will be aboard the Ridley Dean Fast. As with all Ridley bikes, the Aqua Blue Sport team fleet is designed and manufactured in Belgium.
All bikes will be equipped with Shimano Dura Ace Di2 groupsets. Aqua Blue Sport previously confirmed US manufacturer Knight Composites as suppliers of its race wheels for 2017, with the team to ride the full range of Knight clincher wheels in 35mm, 65mm and 95mm depths, built with Aivee SR5 hubs, Sapim CX Ray spokes and Schwalbe Pro One tyres.
Additional equipment sponsors also include fi'zi:k (saddles and bar tape); SRM (power meters); Look (pedals and cleats); Giro (helmets); Rapha (eyewear); Elite (turbo trainers, bottles and cages); Scicon (travel equipment) and Secret Training (performance nutrition).
Stephen Moore, Aqua Blue Sport General Manager commented: “We are hugely excited to announce this two-year partnership with Ridley bikes and honoured to be working with a brand that has spent almost 20 years at the forefront of innovation, while staying resolutely true to its roots. The Ridley Noah SL, Helium SLX and Dean Fast represent a unique blend – marrying cutting edge technology and the latest developments in carbon fibre and aerodynamics with the hard-earned experience of professional racing.”
He continued, “The Ridley brand philosophy of #BeTOUGH represents a foundation of hard work and determination to succeed, even in the toughest of conditions. It’s something that for us as a new team carries a lot of significance. We’re proud to be working with such a great brand, and our riders are excited to have the chance to race such amazing bikes in 2017.”
Jochim Aerts, CEO of Ridley Bikes commented on the partnership, “This highly ambitious team will be the first Irish professional continental team, their goal is to be present in the highest level of cycling in all races. I was immediately convinced by Aqua Blue Sport’s objectives and philosophy to become a strong platform for Irish cyclists, this is an ambitious project that Ridley Bikes are proud to support. The United Kingdom and Ireland are important markets for us so I would love to help increasing the popularity of the sport.”