McLaren Group has announced that it is to become a 50 per cent joint venture partner in UCI WorldTour team Bahrain Merida.
McLaren Group’s McLaren Applied Technologies arm has previously collaborated with Californian bicycle manufacturer Specialized to create a racing bike, and also worked with Team GB in the build-up to the 2012 Olympics.
Bahrain Merida was founded in 2016, with strong support from the Bahraini government, and currently counts four-time Grand Tour winner Vincenzo Nibali among its ranks.
“Racing, technology and human performance are at the heart of everything we do at McLaren,” said McLaren Chief Marketing Officer John Allert.
“Cycling is something we have been involved with in the past and have been looking at entering for some time.
“It is a completely natural fit for our skills and our ambitions and a perfect partnership with Team Bahrain Merida who have the right vision and approach for the future.
“We will be working tirelessly in the months ahead as we know the world of professional cycling is home to some of the best athletes and competitive teams in the world of sport.
“What Team Bahrain Merida has achieved in less than two years, off a standing start, is hugely impressive.
“Working together with a team this driven is a very exciting prospect indeed.”
McLaren Group is the overall company of which there is three divisions: Applied Technologies, Automotive and Racing, the last named being responsible for the Formula 1 operations.
