|
The London-Paris organisers have announced Specialized will be the 2010 event’s official bicycle partner for the second year running. The London-Paris 2010 is the blue-riband of cyclosportives and is recognised as the closest the amateur rider can get to the Tour de France experience. The ride covers 550km in three days with a rest day in Paris. The Daily Telegraph recently ranked the event as one of the world’s top 25 participation events, alongside the London and New York marathons. The event has also been listed as one of the top 10 adventure events for women.
Specialized have a global reputation for innovation and the company is known for its focus on riders’ needs through technically advanced products. The 11 L2P Ride Captains will therefore be kitted out with Specialized Tarmac or Roubaix Expert bicycles, Specialized helmets and shoes.
L2P, director Sven Thiele
“The L2P 2010 looks like being the most exciting ride in our seven year history. Interest and participation in cycling is expanding rapidly and we are proud to be joining forces for a second year with Specialized, one of cycling’s global giants. Our partnership is aimed at giving cyclists the best technical experience possible.”
Richard Hemington, Specialized’s MD
“Specialized are delighted to be the official bicycle partner of the London-Paris ride for the second year running. The London-Paris ride generates a huge amount of excitement amongst cyclists but also within Specialized. Being part of it all and sharing with the riders those special moments during the ride is a real privilege.
Special guests for the evening were double Olympic medallist Rebecca Romero, ex-footballers Geoff Thomas, John Salako and Ex-professional rider, Magnus Backstedt.
Romero will ride in this summer’s London-Paris 2010 as part of her switch from track to road cycling after her individual pursuit event was dropped from the Olympics for 2012.
 |
Romero said: “The L2P is part of my preparation for the World Time Trial Championships in Melbourne in September. It’s something to train for and a good marker at the end of June. The Commonwealth Games in Delhi are another opportunity. I could be there. The only individual event left for me is the Time Trial. The idea is to have a go and see if it’s feasible.” |
 |
Magnus Backstedt said: “I’ve heard a lot of people talking about this event, so when I retired I decided I wanted to ride it. I’m still fiercely competitive but I also just enjoy riding and having fun. I will get a bit itchy after a few hours and no doubt I’ll be pushing it at some point.” |
 |
Geoff Thomas, who will lead a team of 25 Geoff Thomas Foundation riders raising money for leukaemia patients, said: “It’s great to be back with the Specialized team. They have been tremendous supporters of the GTF. The company’s backed us all the way with bikes and equipment. Specialized help us to raise money to campaign for better treatment for people with blood cancer and their support is making a significant difference.” |
 |
John Salako said: “Ahead of last year’s L2P I was training on an old mountain bike and the difference when I got on my Specialized bike was incredible. Everything suddenly changed when I got on a top of the range machine. Until then I never knew just how much enjoyment you could have on a bike. Having a bike like that just makes it so exciting to get out there and ride a hundred miles. I love my bike.” |
About Specialized: Specialized Bicycles was founded in 1974 by riders for riders. Headquartered in Morgan Hill, California, with global distribution, the company focuses on making everyone’s time on a bike better by delivering functional and technically advanced equipment that provide true performance benefits. Learn more at www.specialized.com
|