Continuing in pursuit of its goal to create the world's fastest pro road cycling clothing, Castelli earlier today announced that it has entered into a three-year partnership with Slipstream Sports to equip Team Garmin-Cervelo in 2011 and beyond.

According to a Castelli representative, Castelli will provide clothing for the professional men's and women's Garmin-Cervelo teams, as well as their under-23 and junior development teams.

"Creating clothing for athletes at the highest level of the [road cycling] sport is the most demanding proving ground for Castelli," Castelli racing performance director and former professional road cyclist with such teams as Motorola, O.N.C.E. and CSC Andrea Peron commented and added "This multi-year agreement to provide clothing to all levels gives us continued access to valued input from the world's top pros, both men and women. We have created a joint research and development program working with Robby Ketchell, the team's Sport Science Director, and we have outlined an innovation agenda focused on making the athletes as fast as possible in every racing condition."

Castelli brand manager Steve Smith, who has worked closely with the male and female riders of Cervelo TestTeam in the past two years told Roadcycling.com "Castelli started the aero jersey revolution that has changed the look of pro cycling, and we want to continue to have the best-looking kit in the peloton as well," when asked to comment on the new partnership with Team Garmin-Cervelo.

Smith continued "In Slipstream Sports, we've found a partner that shares our belief in technology and performance. Jonathan Vaughters has created an environment in which innovation is demanded, and we're working with Robby Ketchell to push the boundaries of what clothing can do."

Evolving from the successful previous partnership with Cervélo TestTeam - which has now merged with Team Garmin - the new relationship will allow Castelli to continue to refine striking new technologies designed to improve performance both by reducing aerodynamic drag and by helping the athletes perform well in all conditions, from the cold weather of Belgium in March to the unbearable heat of the Tour de France in July. Castelli will work hand-in-hand with Team Garmin-Cervelo's riders, including World Champion and Norwegian God of Thunder Thor Hushovd, and with Slipstream Sport's biomechanical engineer Robbie Ketchell, who, according to a Castelli representative, is an expert in aerodynamics.

When asked to comment on the new partnership with Castelli, CEO of Slipstream Sports Jonathan Vaughters told Roadcycling.com "We're very excited to work with Castelli for the next three years. We pride ourselves on working with our sports science team and our partners create new technologies that will help us compete at the highest level, ethically. We are fortunate to have some of the best athletes in the sport and with this partnership, we will have the most aerodynamic clothing for them."

Earlier this Fall Roadcycling.com revealed that Team Garmin-Transitions and Cervélo TestTeam would join forces for the 2011 season to create a new merged team that will be known as Team Garmin-Cervélo. The team's 2011 roster so far includes major riders such as World Champion Thor Hushovd, Tyler Farrar, and World Time Trial Silver Medalist David Millar.

The team's new 2011 outfit will be revealed in early 2011, likely before the 2011 Santos Tour Down Under.

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