Specialized and Quick-Step End Cycling Partnership
The 18-year collaboration between the bike manufacturer and the cycling team concludes ahead of the 2027 season.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Cycling
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Specialized and the Soudal Quick-Step cycling team have confirmed the end of their long-running bike partnership. The transition will see the team switch to Merida bikes starting in 2027.
Why it matters
Specialized intends to consolidate its resources by tightening its focus on other ongoing cycling partnerships. This shift marks a significant change for the team, which will also undergo a rebranding process in the coming year.
The partnership yielded more than 800 race victories over 18 years, including 57 wins secured by rider Tim Merlier. Merida, which will supply the team starting in 2027, currently holds a 35 percent stake in Specialized.
The players
Specialized
Specialized is an American manufacturer of bicycles, components, and related products based in California.
Soudal Quick-Step
Soudal Quick-Step is a professional road cycling team based in Belgium.
Merida
Merida is a Taiwan-based bicycle manufacturer that produces and sells bicycles internationally.
Tim Merlier
Tim Merlier is a professional cyclist known for his sprinting capabilities in major road races.
AG Insurance-Soudal
AG Insurance-Soudal is a women's professional cycling team that is also transitioning to Merida bikes in 2027.
The details
The collaboration, which first began in 2007 with a brief hiatus during 2010 and 2011, concluded following the Eneco Tour. Alongside the bike supplier change, the team will transition to a new name, Soudal Safety Jogger, in 2027 as the current title sponsor ends its 24-year tenure.
Timeline
The partnership began in 2007.
The collaboration paused between 2010 and 2011.
The partnership officially ended on October 20, 2026.
Quick-Step ends its 24-year title sponsorship in Winter 2026.
The team transitions to Merida bikes and the new name Soudal Safety Jogger in 2027.
Season Trajectory
The dissolution of this long-standing alliance marks a departure from the established team identity that defined the sport for nearly two decades. This change reshapes the competitive landscape for 2027 as teams align with new technical suppliers.
The changeover means that riders and staff will begin a total transition to Merida equipment for all 2027 season events. Fans will see the squad under the new name Soudal Safety Jogger when the upcoming competitive calendar begins.
The takeaway
The end of this 18-year partnership highlights the dynamic nature of equipment sponsorship in professional sports. Fans should expect a significant branding shift as the team moves into its next chapter under the Soudal Safety Jogger name.
Further reading
For more context on professional cycling, visit the Cycling section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Velo.
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