For us at Shimano, supporting races is a year-long event where science, engineering, and a distinct passion for cycling converge. As the season gets underway, let’s take a moment to appreciate the history and share our Shimano-sponsored teams, the equipment they will be riding, and the Neutral Service each WorldTour team can count on—not just those riding Shimano—every mile of the way.
Shimano and the Grand Tours
Each year, from the fresh spring classics to the Grand Tours and back again, has its own rhythm. Although the intensity certainly increases in summer during the Grand Tours, the beat never stops.
Our involvement with the Giro d’Italia, La Vuelta Espana, and the Tour de France, is long and meaningful. How long? Well… As a high-end cycling components manufacturer that has been around for more than a hundred years, you can imagine we have seen every upset and awe-inspiring moment imaginable. The name of the game, through all those changes, is remarkably consistent: DURA-ACE.
The introduction of the DURA-ACE groupset in 1984 inspired a sizeable—ahem, pun intended—shift in the professional cycling community. At the 1988 Giro D’Italia, Andy Hampsten secured the groupset’s first-ever Italian GT victory.
It’s in our nature to set our sights high, to never compromise in our Science of Speed. In 1990, this mindset led us to introduce Total System Integration, adding Dual Control levers to our lineup, allowing you to change gears without taking your hands off the handlebars. From El Pistolero—Contador—handily securing the Maillot Jaune at the Tour to the electrifying Di2-equipped victory by Cadel Evans in 2011. The advent of DURA-ACE continues to make its mark on the WorldTour, supporting talented riders on their way to Find THEIR Fast on the road.
The spirit of cycling is known for its share of drama, dedication, and… derailleurs. Yet when we think of the cycling world today, we see the smiling faces of riders, mechanics, and fans sharing in these life-defining moments. To draw a line from each inspired rider, young and old, to the moment Shozaburo Shimano opened the doors of Shimano Iron Works in Sakai in 1921 is simply extraordinary.
Shimano-sponsored teams
We are honored to be in the position to support the WorldTour. This year, 14 WorldTour teams joining the Grand Tours will ride the DURA-ACE R9200 groupset and our DURA-ACE C50 wheels. Many of our sponsored teams will wear S-PHYRE shoes. Let’s look at our sponsored teams.
- INEOS GRENADIERS: Men’s Elite
- ALPECIN-DECEUNINCK: Men’s Elite
- FENIX-DECEUNINCK: Women’s Elite
- SOUDAL-QUICK STEP: Men’s Elite
- dsm-firmenich PostNL: Men’s Elite
- Groupama-FDJ: Men’s Elite
- FDJ-Suez: Women’s Elite
- Jayco-Alula: Men and Women’s Elite
Neutral Service
Professional cycling is a year-round pursuit. Not just for the athletes. The organization around each race is filled with dedicated people, ensuring each race and stage is well-prepared, safe, and fair. The mechanics and riders of Shimano Neutral Service play a key role in providing fundamental service at more than 560 race days every year.
By operating with six Neutral Service teams across Europe, Shimano manages to cover the biggest professional road races in the world, such as all three Grand Tours, the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, the World Championships, all five cycling monuments, all major one-day spring classics for both women and men, and many other races on the UCI women’s and men’s calendar. Shimano also provides Neutral Service in U23 and junior races, on the cycling track, and in para-cycling races.
Tell us your #SuperCyclingSunday story
Cycling. Camaraderie. Classics. As a fellow cyclist, you’re part of an awesome community. We bring home fresh memories of friendship and fun each time we ride. Share your favorite cycling story to win big prizes, like an all-inclusive trip to the Tour de France.
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