Eddy Merckx Cycles and Team Quick Step join forces
20/11/2009
Starting in the 2010 season, Team Quick Step cyclists will be riding top-class bicycles produced by Eddy Merckx Cycles. An agreement for the next 3 years has been concluded. “We are very happy with the deal reached with Eddy Merckx Cycles Company – explains Patrick Lefevere, Managing Director Team Quick Step.
"It’s a matter of pride for us to have by our side such a prestigious brand and a cycling icon like Eddy. Our relationship is based on mutual respect. Founded 30 years ago as one of Eddy’s ideas, today the company is an international player with Eddy at its heart. We’re sure that this relationship will be mutually beneficial, allowing both the team and the company to grow further and to reach some important common goals in the professional field."
“We want to grow from being a family SME to an international business. The return of the bicycle brand in the Pro tour is a logical next step within this growth pattern. We have strongly invested in the development of new, high-end racing bikes, the reorganisation of the distribution and the optimisation of logistics. In March 2009 we presented the EMX-3 and EMX-5 models, at Eurobike in September we introduced another 8 new models and this weekend our dealers in Belgium are launching the new EMX-1 and EFX-1. We are convinced that the cooperation with Team Quick Step and their international profile will boost our marketing efforts and support our “Eddy Merckx” brand in its international growth. The fact that a Belgian top team is riding Eddy Merckx bikes in the year of celebrations 2010 has a very special meaning to us. In 2010 Eddy Merckx will be 65 and his bicycle business will have existed for 30 years. One of the highlights will undoubtedly be the Tour de France, which will pass through Meise to celebrate Eddy Merckx. More lustre will be obviously added to the event by the participation of a Belgian top team on his bikes”, says Pieter Vansynghel, CEO of Eddy Merckx Cycles.
“We have had great successes in all the Flemish cycling classics and lots of victories in all great tours. There is no better way to vouch for the top quality of our bikes. Today we are ready again to ride at the front of the pack. In the past I have successfully worked together with Patrick Lefevere with the Domo Farm Frites Team. Therefore, I am very pleased that we are back in a partnership today”, according to Eddy Merckx, honorary president of Eddy Merckx Cycles.
