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Tech update – June 20, 2002
Edited by John Stevenson
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Litespeed's latest
By Tim Maloney
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During an autograph signing by Lotto-Addeco at Philadelphia Litespeed dealer Bicycle Therapy, Cyclingnews spoke to Herbert Krabel, head marketing honch at the American Bicycle Group, owner of Litespeed.
Krabel told Cyclingnews that "we are very happy to have Lotto-Addeco competing in the First Union week of events. The team has ridden well and these are the top races in the States."
Riders for major European teams like Lotto-Adecco don't get over to the USA very often, so Litespeed was taking the chance to introduce new versions of two of its frames, the 6Al/4V Vortex and the compact Siena. The changes to both bikes reflect the input of Lotto-Adecco, according to Krabel.
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Cyclingnews: How is the team sponsorship going so far?
Herbert Krabel: It would almost be impossible to not be satisfied with our relationship (with Lotto-Addeco) so far. They are ranked second in the world right now and they have a lot of points; almost as many at this point in the season as all of last year. So Lotto is almost guaranteed to be a Top Ten team for next year, that is an automatic entry in all the top races and a place in all the Grand Tours for next year.
CN: So you feel that Lotto will be able to provide the kind of exposure you are seeking for Litespeed?
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HK: Oh, absolutely... we are looking at the long term with this sponsorship, but even in the first year we realize that the team has a big impact, mostly in Europe but in the US we can feel it as well. In the second year of this sponsorship, I think, our relationship with Lotto will be even more important because now all the key media is aware of this. Last year, Lotto was on last year's product but by the end of this year, we will be completely up to date with product and the Litespeed story will be complete with the team.
CN: What is the new Lotto team frame we're seeing today?
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HK: This is the new Vortex Team, with a few changes from what the team started out the season on... we added an oversized downtube with a similar diamond shape to the top tube to add more stiffness to the frame, and we bladed and curved the seat-stays.
We have always tried to improve the bikes every year, and now with the team's input, this has helped the technology.
CN: Will this new frame debut in the Tour De France?
HK: Yes, we're going to make sure some Lotto riders start the Tour on the new Vortex Team frame. I'm confident that the team will pull off at least one or two stage wins and maybe a good performance on GC like (Verbrugghe) in the Giro. A top ten perhaps...
CN: Was your other new bike the Siena inspired by Lotto's recent performances in the Giro?
HK: This is a bike we already had in our line but we brought forward some key changes in this model by adding a carbon fiber seat stay which is enhanced with a titanium mesh for extra strength.
More information: Litespeed's website
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