New Canyon//SRAM women’s team launched with Rapha as partner and kit supplier

It’s been announced that from January 2016, a new Canyon//SRAM team will compete in the UCI Women’s WorldTour. The team, arising from last year’s Velocio-SRAM team and which will feature Britain’s Hannah Barnes on its roster, will be supplied with racewear by Rapha.

The team, directed by Ronny Lauke and Beth Duryea, will compete in the full WorldTour calendar with emphasis on the Amgen Tour of California, the Philadelphia Cycling Classic, the Aviva Women’s Tour, and La Course.

Its nine rider line-up comprises Alena Amialiusik (BLR), Hannah Barnes (GBR), Lisa Brennauer (GER), Elena Cecchini (ITA), Tiffany Cromwell (AUS), Barbara Guarischi (ITA), Mieke Kröger (GER), Alexis Ryan (USA) and Trixi Worrack (GER).

Rapha has agreed a three-year deal with the team and will supply riders with race clothing from its Souplesse collection.

Simon Mottram, Rapha founder and CEO, commented:

“Rapha are devoted racing fans, and partnering with this team underlines our commitment to racing at the highest level, and women's cycling which is a key focus for Rapha. The world-class riders, team management and cutting-edge partners, will further elevate our product design and performance, and help us develop the finest racing and riding products for women.”

Directeur Sportif Beth Duryea remarked:

“When Ronny and I discussed a clothing partner for our new team, there was instant agreement that we only wanted Rapha. We saw Rapha as our number one choice and this was for many reasons.

“Rapha share our passion and vision for cycling. They communicate this passion for cycling with remarkable stories, images and films and like our women’s team they want people around the globe to understand how amazing this sport is.”

Earlier this month, it was announced that Rapha and Team Sky are to go their separate ways at the end of the 2016 season, with the London-based clothing business confirming that their four year deal will not be renewed when it expires at the end of 2016.

"For the next year Rapha will focus on the Research and Development projects that are already in progress with the team,” said Mottram.