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Team TotalEnergies trades Cube for Pardus as another Chinese brand joins pro cycling peloton
Team TotalEnergies will switch from Cube to Pardus bikes from 2027, with the Chinese brand becoming the bike supplier for the next three seasons, the pro cycling team announced today.Pardus is the latest Chinese cycling brand to join the pro cycling peloton. XDS invested in the Astana WorldTour team in 2024 and the squad has used the Chinese brands X-Lab bikes since then.Meanwhile, QuickPro provides Euskaltel-Euskadi with bikes and the womens Mayenne Monbana Mypie team uses Winspace bikes. You may like: Panda Podiums Joe Whittingham on how Covid and Western hubris laid the ground for the rise of Chinese bikesWhen the UCI released its list of teams for the 2027 season in October, Team TotalEnergies was not included. But the team said in a press release that it will continue its efforts to finalise its application for next year to secure ProTeam status.Chinese cycling brands have grown in popularity in recent years, due to their often lower prices. By providing bicycles and sponsorship to European teams, Chinese brands can further develop their reputation.Pardus partnership with Team TotalEnergies follows the companys official launch in Europe in May 2026.Terry Gong, vice general manager of Pardus, said: As part of Parduss development in the European market, we are particularly proud to begin the journey with Jean-Ren Bernaudeau and his iconic team.History, values and strong regional roots are key to our vision, and we are delighted to join an organisation that has contributed to the growth and international recognition of professional cycling for many years.We have developed a deep understanding of professional riders' expectations through our support of the Chinese national team since the Rio Olympic Games. This partnership is a great opportunity to share our technical expertise, improve our products through rider feedback, and strengthen Parduss presence in European cycling.All of TotalEnergies teams, from its professional team to its under-19 and under-23 squads, will use Pardus bikes.The riders will be equipped with the Pardus SPK EVO G4 and Robin Evo G3 road bikes and the Gomera Evo time trial bike.Pardus was founded in 2010 and is based in Shandong Province. It is part of the Taishan Sports Industry Group, which has provided equipment to international sporting events, including the Olympics, for more than 40 years.Team manager Stphane Heulot said partnering with Pardus is an opportunity to work with an ambitious brand that is committed to competing at the highest level of cycling.For Pardus, this is an important step onto the international stage. For us, it is a chance to support a growing brand and help develop its products. We have confidence this partnership will be a powerful force for progress, driving us to new heights and achieving great things together on the international stage. Heulot added.Cube was the official bike sponsor for Team TotalEnergies for the 2026 season, having previously used ENVE bicycles since 2024. You may like: Chinese groupsets could take over pro cycling sooner than you think here's why
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