BMC and Dimension Data announced a three year deal starting 1 January 2019, the bike brand cutting all ties to the currently named BMC Racing Team (Continuum Sports) - which will race on with title sponsor CCC, following the death of BMC founder Andy Rihs in April.
"We are very thankful to Continuum Sports and all the riders for the success we have achieved together as the ‘BMC Racing Team’," said David Zurcher, CEO, BMC Switzerland.
"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.”
Dimension Data team principal, Douglas Ryder said it was a privilege to honour Rihs' legacy and passion in this way.
“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.
"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."
The new deal potentially frees up Dimension Data's current bike sponsor Cervelo for another team.
Meanwhile over at Quick-Step Floors, the team announced a new 2019 back-of-the-jersey sponsor, Maes 0.0% an alcohol free beer. Maes, a Belgian beer company now part of the Heineken group, joins the Belgian squad with a multi-year sponsorship and hopes to tap into the team's 'Wolfpack' moniker and psyche.
"We didn't hesitate for a second to join forces with this unique team. (It's) one of the world's biggest and best," said Jan Bosselaers, Maes marketing director. "(We) share the same values - we believe that the bond between real friends makes them stronger as a group, a philosophy that fits that of The Wolfpack perfectly.
"We are so excited to get started and very much look forward to working together over the coming years."
Quick-Step Floors CEO Patrick Lefevere said "No other brand projects the message of camaraderie like the "mates' brand". It will be interesting to work together and use our platform to spread the team and the brand messages in a creative way. No doubt we can expect many initiatives in the years to come."
