The Belgian pro team Omega Pharma-Lotto and the German cycle manufacturer Canyon have prematurely extended their cooperation beyond the coming year. The signing of a new contract has paved the way for a long-term partnership and cements the successful cooperation of the last few years.

The cooperation of the two sides has always been on an equal footing. Canyon builds racing bikes that always set benchmarks and the pro team Omega Pharma-Lotto has some of the world’s best riders currently under contract. Canyon benefits from the input given by the experienced pro team and was able to optimise the brand new Aeroad CF using suggestions from riders and advisers on the team. The Belgian star Philippe Gilbert spent five days in the red jersey at the Vuelta a España on this bike and is one of the top favourites for the forthcoming World Championship road race in October.

The partnership, which began in 2009, has been one of many highlights. A particularly special moment was the victory at the World Championship on a Canyon road bike in 2009. However, the winning of the green jersey at the Giro d’Italia 2010, the 5th place in this year’s Tour de France and of course the performance in the Vuelta a España just a few weeks ago were also true highlights of a great cooperation. For 2011, the Omega Pharma-Lotto team has strengthened its ranks by recruiting, among others, the German sprint star André Greipel and is therefore now even better equipped for events which end with a bunch sprint.