Team Argos-Shimano has secured a new name sponsor for the next three years. Current name sponsor Argos will step aside to make room for the new company whose identity will be revealed at a later date.

At a time where several teams are folding due to a lack of sponsorship money, Team Argos-Shimano has unexpectedly found a new name sponsor. Current name sponsor Argos who was originally set to continue in 2014, has decided to step aside to allow the new company to take over the role as main sponsor.

The team was long known as Skil-Shimano and was riding at the professional continental level with several Asian riders on their roster. Argos stepped in to become main sponsor prior to the 2012 season but for some time, the company refused to reveal its identity. The team raced under the name Team It4i in the early part of the season until taking its current name at the end of March that year.

The team raced both the Tour de France and the Vuelta a Espana in 2012 when John Degenkolb won 5 stages in the latter race. The team received a ProTeam license prior to this season and has had its most successful season yet with victories in all three grand tours. Marcel Kittel emerged as the fastest sprinter in the world when he won four stage of the Tour de France, including the opening stage to Bastia and the final one on the Champs-Elysees.

The team has mostly focused on sprints and is known for its dedicated effort to develop young athletes into world stars.

“Very recently, a company expressed interest in taking over the main sponsorship," manager Ian Spekenbrink said. "The new sponsor is a good fit with our ambitious team goals.

“We would like to thank Argos for supporting the team and enabling it to reach its current level, and for giving us the space to further develop our project with our new major partner. We are also grateful to our new sponsor for expressing such confidence in our organization, athletes and staff and in the vision for top sports and pro cycling upon which our organization is based.

“We will soon announce our look and feel, jersey, and ambitions for next year, together with our new partner.”

Argos released the following statement:

“The partnership has been a commercial and sporting success. We are very proud of the development of the team and its performance in the last two years. Team Argos-Shimano’s recent performance at the Tour de France was a particular highlight. Argos wishes the team – supported by its new sponsor – continuing success in the future.” 

The new sponsor will stay onboard until 2016 while Shimano will remain the second sponsor in 2014.