Report:
Women’s pro cycling team, Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling, today announced a major new sponsor that will provide female cyclists with a greater share of the economic benefits that have for years only gone to the men.
In announcing the 3-year deal with online cycling retailer Wiggle.co.uk, team manager/owner and 2010 Commonwealth Games Gold medalist, Australian Rochelle Gilmore, was quick to point out the advantages.
‘Women have traditionally ridden for contracts as little as one-tenth of what the men earn,’ Gilmore said.
‘If you want to get the best out of an athlete you need to provide them with what they need—and all too often funding shortfalls mean women cyclists are not provided what they need.
‘Our team philosophy is all about the athletes. The deal with Wiggle.co.uk enables us to provide better salaries and the supportive environment our athletes deserve and need so they can reach their full potential.’
The Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling Team brings together one of the strongest lineups in women’s professional cycling including:
• Aussie Commonwealth Games Road Champion, Rochelle Gilmore
• 2012 Olympic Champions, British cyclists; Laura Trott, Dani King and Joanna Rowsell
• 3-time World Cycling Champion Italian, Giorgia Bronzini.
• 7-time Japanese National Champion, Mayuko Hagiwara.
Dual Olympic Champion, Laura Trott said: “We are very privileged to have the support of Wiggle – a global project which has the aspiration to raise the professionalism of women’s cycling.”
World Junior Time Trial Champion Elinor Barker and European and World Junior Track medallist Amy Roberts will also be part of Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling Team for 2013.
Chief Executive of Wiggle, Humphrey Cobbold, shares Gilmore’s philosophy.
‘Wiggle is all about providing the best,’ Cobbold said. ‘It’s a privilege to support Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling. We look forward to playing a pivotal role in supporting this tremendous group of athletes and hope that our partnership will motivate future female cycling champions the world over.’
Wiggle joins Honda Motor Europe as principal partners, with the team also enjoying the backing of The Bradley Wiggins Foundation and British Cycling.
‘I have personally been a Wiggle customer for years and look forward to working closely with the team to ensure that the athletes are well looked after throughout the season’, said 2012 Tour winner Wiggins.
The team kicks off its racing season on 3 February 2013 with the Tour of Qatar and will then switch their focus to victories in one day races and UCI World Cup events.
