French UCI World Tour cycling team AG2R La Mondiale has agreed a two-season deal with bike manufacturer Belgian Cycling Factory.
The contract runs across the 2019 and 2020 seasons, with the option of a further two-year extension, with the company’s Eddy Merckx brand, named after the Belgian cycling legend, to serve as the team’s Official Bike Partner.
Along with utilising the Eddy Merckx 525 bike, the team will also grant branding on riders’ jerseys to its new partner.
Jochim Aerts, chief executive of Belgian Cycling Factory, said: “It’s really marvellous news for our bike brand. The timing couldn’t be better either. Next year, the Tour de France will start in Brussels, with Eddy Merckx himself as the main guest. It will be 50 years since Eddy won his first Tour de France. The riders of AG2R La Mondiale will be the first to race with the 525, our new top-of-the line bike.”