Team Sky have announced Pinarello as their bicycle sponsor. The Italian manufacturer signed on to act as the official frame and fork supplier to the new British squad until 2013.
Fausto Pinarello, president of Cicli Pinarello, said: "We are very happy with this new partnership. Team Sky’s goal of becoming one of the world’s leading cycling teams fits with our objective of continuing and growing our presence as one of the world’s leading bicycle manufacturers. We have signed a three-year agreement and we look forward to a long, prosperous and successful collaboration."
Pinarello are one of the world's most recognisable marques. The family company's patriarch, Giovanni Pinarello, found the firm in 1952 and began sponsorship of professional teams in 1960. Since then the company has enjoyed exposure with teams including Team Telekom, Banesto, Fassa Bortolo and Caisse d'Epargne.
Team Sky are not the first British team to be sponsored by the Italian company. Pinarello have supported the CandiTV-Marshalls Pasta squad since 2007 and had previously supplied bikes to Rapha-Condor predecessor Recycling.co.uk Pro Cycling Team.
The announcement of the Team Sky deal is not expected to affect Pinarello's sponsorship of ProTour team Caisse d'Epargne. Team Sky's ProTour status will see the company represented by both squads at the top level of professional cycling.
While Pinarello have been confirmed as frame and fork sponsor, Team Sky are yet to announce which companies will provide groupsets, wheels and components.