After months of speculation, Trek Bicycle Corporation is pleased to announce that the all-new Astana Pro Cycling Team—led by long-time USPS/Discovery Channel director Johan Bruyneel and headlined by top riders like Alberto Contador, Levi Leipheimer, and Chris Horner—has chosen Trek to be their official bike sponsor. For 2008 and beyond, the world’s best riders will be outfitted with world’s best bikes as they contest the world’s most demanding races.

As many of you will recall from TrekWorld, after Tailwind Sports announced that the Discovery Channel Team would be disbanded after the 2007 season, Trek’s pro peloton sponsorship position was one of wait-and-see. We were resolute about partnering with the sport’s top team, even if that meant sitting out the 2008 season. After announcing his plans to take over Astana—rebuilding an all-new team from the ground up and bringing with him a large number of staff and riders from his former team—Johan Bruyneel approached Trek with a sponsorship opportunity. Given our familiarity with Johan, his staff, and his program, not to mention our many years of success, an opportunity to continue building on what has been a very fruitful relationship was a natural move for Trek. And we’re confident it’s the correct one.

Having the world’s best riders on Trek bikes will inspire an even stronger consumer demand and show Trek’s global network of dealers and distributors that we are fully committed to making our bikes and equipment the most sought after in the industry.

Along with Trek, Bontrager has been selected as Team Astana’s official component supplier, providing the team with a full complement of components including wheels, stems, bars and saddles.

Much as they did with the USPS and then Discovery Channel teams, Trek Travel will offer luxury cycling vacations coinciding with some of the sport’s biggest races and providing exclusive access to Astana riders and events.

Team replica Astana framesets and complete bikes will be available through Trek’s Project One Custom program, starting in February.