Specialized link up with HTC-High Road for 2011

British sprint ace Mark Cavendish and his HTC-High Road team-mates will ride Specialized bicycles from the 2011 season in a new deal inked between the American manufacturer and team.

Specialized Bicycle Components will provide frames, forks and helmets to the US-based ProTeam, replacing current bicycle provider Scott.

"We are thrilled by this foundational partnership with the iconic global cycling brand of Specialized," said High Road founder Bob Stapleton.

"Mike Sinyard [Specialized founder] is an authentic entrepreneur and his company is a dominant force in both professional racing and bringing innovation to millions of recreational cyclists worldwide.

"Our partnership is focused not only on athletic success but also on developing superior products and promoting cycling as a part of a healthy lifestyle for the more than 160 million enthusiasts in Europe and the USA alone."

"We come together with aggressive plans and motivated partners who are excited about the compelling sport of cycling," continued Stapleton.

"We want to further build on this platform and recruit leading technology and lifestyle companies to work alongside our existing partners, which include HTC, Shimano, Oakley, as well as our marketing partners, Google and Skype. Together, we are focused on adding a long-term, innovative co-title partner with naming rights in advance of the major races this summer, including the Tour de France."

The men's HTC-High Road team will ride Specialized S-Works Tarmac frames to the majority of the season, with S-Works Roubaix models draughted in for the cobbled classics. Specialized Shiv time trial bikes will be used in races against the clock.

The HTC-High Road women's team will use Amira road bikes and Shiv TT bikes.