Shimano’s neutral support service has been supporting the world’s biggest races for just under 20 years. During that time the company has provided the world’s best athletes and their teams with invaluable spare components or tech support to make sure their bikes are running in the best condition possible.
But it’s not only the pro’s who benefit. Many of these elite races have supporting sportives or Gran Fondos to give thousands of fans the chance to ride the same route. And of course Shimano provides exactly the same level of support to ensure that everyone’s bike can operate as safely and as efficiently as possible.
During 2018 Shimano will be supporting riders in the top one-day classics in Belgium and the Netherlands in March and April, Spain’s Vuelta a España during September, and now, as we announced recently, Italy’s Giro d’Italia in May plus the one-day Italian classics, Strade Bianche, Tirreno Adriatico, Milano Sanremo, Gran Piemonte, Milano Torino and the Giro di Lombardia.
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neutral service: how the boys in blue keep you in the race
The blue Shimano cars and banners you see on the course at the World Championship, Grand Tour and one-day classic events are there for much more than just a branding opportunity. They signify to riders that they can get mechanical support either during or before their race from some of the best mechanics in the business.
“As a rider there were countless times when the guys from Shimano gave me a new wheel when I stood at the side of the road holding a flat wheel in the air. No matter whether you were the most senior guy in the race or the neo-pro stagiaire, Shimano would get you going again time after time. Now I am honoured to give something back to bike racing by offering the same support.”
Bert Roesems
Shimano sports marketing officer & former pro road racer
You’ll find Bert and his colleagues from Belgium, Netherlands, Spain and Italy at races across Europe this summer. If your bike needs some TLC, call in at the Shimano tents or the promo truck and we’ll do our best to get you back on the road.
