Giant Alpecin to drive MINI Clubman team cars

There will be an extra British presence in the pro peloton next year with the news that Giant-Alpecin’s team cars will be supplied by MINI – the iconic marquee based in the Oxford suburb of Cowley.

The team, now registered in Germany, has partnered with MINI Netherlands for the forthcoming season, with riders such as John Degenkolb and Tom Dumoulin supported by MINI Clubman vehicles.

MINI Netherlands brand manager Hidde-Jan Haven said: “The new MINI Clubman offers plenty of space, making it the ideal team car.

“MINI and Team Giant-Alpecin both have a strong focus on innovation and technology. With this partnership we are supporting a successful team with lots of potential.”

Iwan Spekenbrink, CEO of the team which raced under a Dutch licence until the start of the 2015 season, commented: “Our mission is to inspire cyclists around the world and to encourage sporting excellence. A top brand like MINI will certainly contribute to this.”

He added: “In cycling, much is asked of a team car. The MINI Clubman is the perfect reinforcement for our team.

“This partnership fits perfectly with our ‘Keep Challenging’ philosophy based on innovation, cooperation and continuous improvement.”

Giant-Alpecin may not be the only WorldTour team to switch vehicles for the forthcoming season - as we reported earlier this month, there are rumours that Team Sky's partnership with Jaguar is coming to an end, but no replacement has yet been announced.

> Team Sky and Jaguar to part ways in 2016?