Team Dimension Data switch to BMC bikes for 2019

BMC Switzerland’s bikes will remain in the professional peloton for the next three years with the announcement today that the brand will be acting as bike sponsor of Team Dimension Data for three years commencing 1 January 2019.

The news follows the confirmation last week that Polish footwear retailer CCC would be taking over as headline sponsor of the current BMC Racing Team from next season.

> BMC Racing Team saved as CCC takes over sponsorship from 2019

The ending of the relationship between the Swiss bike brand and the US-based team whose management company is Continuum Sports, under general manager Jim Ochowicvz, had been widely expected since BMC Switzerland owner Andy Rihs died in April this year.

Meanwhile, in May it was rumoured that Giant would replace BMC Switzerland as the team’s bike sponsor for next year, and that Cervelo – who currently provide bikes to Team Dimension Data – would be switching to Team Sunweb, who ride Giant at the moment.

> Tech Rumours: Giant to replace BMC and Dimension Data to lose Deloitte sponsor in 2019?

Commenting on the three-year deal announced with Team Dimension Data today, BMC Switzerland CEO David Zurcher said: “We are very thankful to Continuum Sports and all the riders for the success we have achieved together as the ‘BMC Racing Team’.

“BMC’s DNA is racing; this was driving Andy and is driving us today. We want to ensure Andy’s legacy and that of BMC continues in a sustainable and progressive manner, in line with today’s demands.

“Joining Team Dimension Data is much greater than purely ‘racing’, we will bring our credibility, building the fastest bikes in the world and combine our visions, being stronger together.”

Douglas Ryder, principal of Team Dimension Data, said: “We are delighted to be joining forces with BMC Switzerland as we take a significant step forward into the future for our team.

“BMC’s outstanding track record speaks for itself and to be able to call on their world-leading technology starting 2019, will see us compete consistently among the very best teams on the World Tour.

“We are a team that, through title sponsor Dimension Data, are focused on innovation thanks to their ground-breaking technology and BMC joining us is a natural fit.

“The rise of Team Dimension for Qhubeka has been meteoric and this new partnership will ensure that trajectory is continued into the future.

“Our shared goals are completely aligned in the continued belief that ‘bicycles change lives’, through the Qhubeka charity, and we are delighted that BMC will continue this journey with us.

“Andy Rihs left an indelible mark on our sport, and it’s a privilege to be able to be the team that will continue to honour his legacy and the passion that he had for cycling,” he added.