FFWD Wheels and French Pro-Continental squad Team Arkea-Samsic are happy to announce their partnership for the period of 2019 to 2021.
Formerly known as Fortuneo-Samsic, Team Arkea-Samsic has a long history in the cycling peloton with Tour de France participation the past five years and a strong roster of riders such as Andre Greipel and Warren Barguil.
“We are very happy Team Arkea-Samsic has chosen to be a part of TeamFFWD from 2019 onwards. We are confident that we can support the team with strong riders like Andre Greipel and Warren Barguil to go even faster than they already are!” states FFWD Marketing Manager Rik van Putten.
General manager of Team Arkea-Samsic, Emmanuel Hubert adds: “Going faster starts with good trust in our materials. Riding with light, fast and strong wheels is an obligation. That is why we are really happy with this new 3-year partnership. During our training camp in December, our riders have tested the wheels on Spanish roads. Our CX man already uses the wheels. Season 2019 starts rapidly, with confidence.”
How did the cooperation start:
Team Arkea-Samsic needs high end performance wheels and was looking for a long term partnership. The team has many contacts in the peloton and received positive feedback from riders and mechanics on the quality of FFWD wheels.
FFWD presented the wheels and expressed interest in a cooperation with the French Pro Continental Cycling Team. Different FFWD models have been sent to the team which were tested best on quality and performance compared to several other brands by riders and mechanics. For both the Team and FFWD a long term partnership was the goal and the base for the three year agreement who are both ambitious for the future.
What will the Team be using:
FFWD launched a complete new range of carbon wheels for 2019 based on UD carbon, DT Swiss hubs and spokes with a 2:1 spoke ratio. The new wheels offer more stiffness and durability yet the light weight remains.
With the new technical specifications FFWD also launched a new style of logo on all road wheels in BLACK. For the supported teams these decals are applied in the WHITE colors which will also be introduced as optional color for the consumers later this year.
The team will be using a mix of FFWD models for specific types of use or rider preferences. The F4R is the most all-round model with its 45mm high rims and suitable for flat roads as well as the cobble stones in the spring classics but will get you over the mountains as well. For the mountain specialists the team will also have the F3R which are more lightweight and offer perfect handling conditions on climbs due to the 30mm high rim profile. For the time trials there are DISC wheels combined with F6R front wheels which offer the best aerodynamic performance.
What will the future bring:
As French pro continental cycling team Team Arkea-Samsic has been invited to the Tour de France for the past five years and is likely to participate in 2019 as well. For FFWD Wheels being part of a team participating in the Tour de France is the perfect proof of quality and the best commercial event in cycling with world wide coverage.
Teams on the highest level also contribute to the quality of FFWD wheels as the feedback of riders is important for the development of existing products or the start of innovations. A long term partnership supports the development of new products which FFWD also has with Team Direct Energie and several other teams and individual athletes globally in the different categories road, track, cyclocross, triathlon and mountain.
More information about Team Arkea-Samsic: http://www.team-arkea-samsic.fr