Bahrain-Merida will become Bahrain-McLaren in 2020
Bahrain-Merida confirmed on Wednesday that it will become Bahrain-McLaren in 2020 as British automotive manufacturer McLaren becomes more involved with the squad. The announcement also included the reveal of a new black logo for the team.
As McLaren comes aboard as a naming partner, Merida will step back from the title sponsor role. The Taiwan-based brand, which has been with the team since its inception in 2017, will continue to provide bikes for the squad.
“We are certain that the new partnership will bring fresh motivation and accelerate the team’s ambitions to compete at the top,” said joint managing director Milan Erzen. “McLaren will contribute greatly to optimizing technology, managing human high performance and developing strategic marketing and communication activities with the goal of building a lasting and successful brand in pro cycling.”
The transition to a new name is one of several changes the team is undergoing as it heads into next season. The roster has been reshuffled with Vincenzo Nibali and Rohan Dennis leaving the team and transfer season signees Mikel Landa, Wout Poels, and Mark Cavendish set to give the team new marquee riders to build around. On the staff side, Rod Ellingworth took over as Team Principal in October.
The squad’s announcement of its name change also included details of changes to the managing staff. John Allert is moving into the role of joint managing director alongside Erzen, and former pro Roger Hammond will be the team’s performance director.
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