Garmin-Cervélo changes name to Garmin-Barracuda, reveals new kit (+ video)

Slipstream Sports, owner of the Garmin-Cervelo team, has revealed that the UCI WorldTour outfit is changing its name to Garmin-Barracuda after bringing tech firm Barracuda Networks in as co-sponsor, and has also unveiled the 2012 kit that will be sported on the road by the likes of Tyler Farrar, David Millar and Heinrich Haussler. A video has also been released showing Christophe Le Mével trying out the team's new colours.

Well, we say 'new,' but at a quick glance, other than the side panels being black with white lettering for the word 'Garmin' on the side panel, it's pretty much the same as the one-off predominantly white and blue number it wore for last year's Tour de France - complete, of course, with the signature Argyle pattern, which we don't need to tell you we're big fans of here at road.cc.

As before, it's made by Italian firm, Castelli. Besides the jersey and shorts, the  SanRemo Speedsuit and Gabba rain jacket, the team promises that Castelli has "some surprises in development that fans will see as the season progresses."

It adds: "The Team Garmin-Barracuda replica pieces will be available beginning in February."

The kit itself - minus the Barracuda logo - is showcased in the following ad for Garmin showing Christophe Le Mevel putting in the winter training miles in what we thought at first were the Italian Alps - although as was pointed out on Facebook by road.cc user Daniel Loots, this is actually the Austrian side of the Timmelsjoch pass, which forms the border between the two countries, above Soelden.

“The incredible sense of teamwork, passion and determination, and commitment to innovation, align perfectly with our philosophy on delivering the most innovative solutions and support to our customers,” said Michael Perone, executive vice president and CMO of Barracuda Networks, which is described as the "worldwide leader in powerful, affordable content security, network performance and data protection solutions for organizations of all sizes."

He added: “This partnership provides a fantastic platform to share that message with millions of people around the world in a unique and meaningful way.”

Jonathan Vaughters, team directeur sportif and CEO of Slpstream Sports, added: “We are always looking for partners who, like Garmin, share our passion and commitment to the best innovations in technology, and Barracuda Networks is a perfect fit.

“The partnership with Barracuda Networks is long-term and the company will also allow Slipstream Sports to continue to pursue other co-title sponsor opportunities.”

"We'd like to thank Slipstream for giving us the second team name in 2011 when they had no obligation to do so," commented Phil White, CEO of Cervélo.

"We're excited that Barracuda Networks is joining the team. It bodes well for the future that the team is attracting new sponsors of this caliber, and Cervélo looks forward to continuing as a key partner and the official bicycle supplier of the team for the next three years."

“From a business standpoint, working with Barracuda Networks makes great sense,” said Slipstream Sports President Matt Johnson, “The sponsorship provides Barracuda Networks with an unprecedented opportunity to showcase its technology leadership and expand its brand footprint around the globe.”

Team Garmin-Barracuda today unveiled the 2012 jersey from technical clothing supplier Castelli, which will be raced for the first time at the Tour Down Under. Castelli continues to make sure the team has the right clothing for the season, from the cold spring classics to the heat of France in July. In addition to the innovative SanRemo Speedsuit and Gabba rain jacket, there are some surprises in development that fans will see as the season progresses. The Team Garmin-Barracuda replica pieces will be available beginning in February.
 
Co-sponsor Garmin will continue to supply the outfit with kit including the Garmin Edge 800 and Edge 500 cycling computers. Interestingly, for followers of the big disc-brakes-on-road-bikes debate, you'll find a Magura logo on the bib shorts of the new Garmin-Barracuda kit. Garmin-Barracuda use SRAM equipment. Just saying...

CORRECTION: Garmin switched to Shimano in November, of course. Our bad. Anyway, discuss!