“With the creation of a new UCI Women’s World Tour team for 2019, Trek wants to be a champion of change for women’s cycling,” says Luca Guercilena, the team’s general manager. “The team is backed by a new standard of support so the riders can focus on their training, racing and recovery, and be the best they can be.”
That support, he says, includes making Trek’s full range of road and time-trial bikes available for the riders to choose from, dedicated support staff, and team logistics that are on par with the support that the well-established Trek-Segafredo men’s team receives.
“Our team is a professional racing program in all aspects,” Savona says. “As such, every rider receives a salary that allows them to focus on their career.”
The team is poised for a great season. Especially given the two powerhouse former cyclists leading the women’s team. Ina-Yoko Teutenberg, a two-time Olympian cyclist, and Giorgia Bronzini, whose prolific professional cycling career included 80-plus victories on the road and track, serve as both directors and role models.
It’s important that Trek is giving this new women’s team the same top-flight support as the men’s squad, Bronzini says. “It doesn't happen often in women's cycling,” she said. “So I hope that we’re the pioneers.”
Dutch cyclist Ellen van Dijk, who won the Tour of Flanders in 2014, also praised Trek’s top-tier approach to the women’s team.