OREANDA-NEWS. April 11, 2016. Ford has announced a new partnership in British cycling with the creation of Team Ford EcoBoost, a women’s cycling team to be led by British Circuit race champion Nikki Juniper.

The ten-strong team, which includes a mix of both senior and young development riders, will compete in a full calendar of race events this year throughout the UK and selected venues across Europe.

“The creation of Ford Team EcoBoost is a great opportunity to continue to grow our involvement in cycling, complementing our Team Sky partnership, and helping to raise the profile of women in the sport,” said Lisa Brankin, marketing director, Ford of Britain.

“This relationship enables us to showcase Ford’s vehicles at their very best, how they can meet the demands of those with active lifestyles and also the needs of a professional cycling team.”

The team’s fleet of vehicles consists of three Ford EcoSports, all powered by the multi-award winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, and a top-of-the-range Mondeo Vignale estate with the powerful 240PS 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine. Both vehicles are suited to their tasks by being available to order with various transportation options including roof rails and bike carrying packs. The final vehicle, a Transit Custom double-cab-in-van, will be used to transport larger equipment and the team supplies as they head to race events around the country. The Team Ford EcoBoost fleet sports a distinctive blue, white and orange livery to match the team’s race kit.

“Ford is the perfect partner for us and we are delighted to be working together, to be able to build the team, and to have the support of a brand like Ford. I’m really looking forward to the 2016 Road Series, we have a couple of young development riders in the team and it’s great to help the girls moving forward in their cycling careers,” said Nikki Juniper, the team’s leader.

“The Team Ford EcoBoost fleet will play a crucial role for us this season, carrying equipment, spares, the team and of course our bikes.”

Team Ford EcoBoost will start competing in the National Series in April, at the Isle of Man GP, this coming Sunday.