New team takes shape

"Slipstream Sports and Cervélo share the key philosophies of developing the next generation of cycling champions and an unwavering commitment to ethical sport," said Jonathan Vaughters, CEO of Slipstream Sports and Director Sportif of Team Garmin-Transitions.

"We are happy to work with another company that, like Garmin, so closely shares our goals. We will be adding great talent to an already outstanding roster and we believe the new team will build on past successes and will produce incredibly exciting racing in 2011. The possibilities are endless - on the road and off - and we look forward to what we can achieve."

A number of riders are expected to make the switch from Cervélo to the new team, with Australians Heinrich Haussler and Brett Lancaster, Norway sprint ace Thor Hushovd and Andreas Klier among them. More details will be forthcoming as the venture continues to develop.

"As we have often mentioned, our primary goal has always been to have some control over the direction that cycling will take," Phil White, Cervélo co-founder, said. "With Slipstream Sports, we share common goals and values. Together we will be in a stronger position to keep moving the sport forward."

The partnership will also run a professional women's cycling team for the first time.

"The fit is a natural one," Vaughters added. "We've wanted to become stronger in the Classics and we're confident that we'll come into 2011 with one of the strongest Classics line-ups in the peloton. Beyond that, we are extremely excited to create a very good women's program."