A Giant step for Rabobank

For many Rabobank and Colnago went together like Morcambe and Wise, both being great double acts, but now all is set to change as it has been announced that Rabobank's elite road, cyclo cross and Under 23 squad will ride Giant Bikes from 2009.

Now in Rabobank

Giant will supply bikes to the team that includes three-time World Champion Oscar Freire, two-time Vuelta a España winner Denis Menchov and current Cyclocross World Champion Lars Bloom.

Dutch bank Rabobank, has been the team’s title sponsor since 1996 and Rabobank riders have won nine world titles and more than 20 Tour de France stages. Most recently, Freire won the green points jersey at the 2008 Tour de France.

“We’re pleased Rabobank has chosen to ride Giant,” said Tony Lo, chief executive officer of Giant. “It’s a natural fit—two organizations with a long-term commitment to competitive cycling. Combine Rabobank’s talent with Giant’s ability to create superior products, and great things are sure to happen.”

Rabobank team bikes will be equipped with Shimano components.

Italian manufacturer Colnago also lost the Tinkoff team from it's stable when the new Katusha team, built on the foundations of Tinkoff confirmed that they would ride Ridley bikes from 2009 onward.

Website - www.giant-bicycles.com