Get ready to witness a seismic shift in the world of professional cycling – one of the most iconic teams in the sport has just made a bold move that’s turning heads and sparking conversations. The legendary Euskaltel-Euskadi team, known for their vibrant orange jerseys and rich history, is now riding Chinese bikes. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: their new partnership with Quick Pro has produced one of the most stunning pro kits I’ve seen in years. This isn’t just a change of bikes; it’s a cultural and technological fusion that’s redefining what’s possible in cycling.
After securing their first UCI Road World Championships victory with Harry Hudson in Kigali last September, Quick Pro has stepped into the spotlight by sponsoring Euskaltel-Euskadi for the 2026 season. For long-time fans, this team is synonymous with the orange-clad heroes like Iban Mayo and Samuel Sánchez, who dominated races on their trusty Orbea bikes for over three decades. But in 2024, that partnership ended, and after a brief stint with Mendiz in 2025, the team has now embraced a new era with Quick Pro. And this is the part most people miss – this isn’t just a sponsorship deal; it’s a strategic alliance aimed at pushing the boundaries of cycling innovation.
The partnership, announced last month, will see Quick Pro’s bikes make their WorldTour debut at the Volta a Catalunya in March. According to Quick Pro, this collaboration is a ‘milestone in its international expansion,’ offering a chance to test their designs in the most demanding arena of competitive cycling. The team will be riding the ER One aero road bike, the versatile AR One (the same model Harry Hudson rode to victory), and the TT One time trial bike. But it doesn’t stop there – they’ve also committed to joint efforts in technological development, prototype validation, and equipment optimization. Talk about a win-win!
Here’s where it gets controversial: While some purists might question the shift from traditional European brands to a Chinese manufacturer, Quick Pro’s involvement could signal a broader trend of Asian brands making their mark on the global stage. The bikes, of course, are painted in the team’s iconic orange, but they’re also packed with cutting-edge components. From Cybrei’s carbon fiber cranksets to Xcadey’s power meter spiders, the setup is a testament to China’s growing influence in cycling tech. The finishing touches? A Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 groupset, Vittoria Corsa Pro TLR tires, and carbon wheels from Polish brand No Limited.
But wait, there’s more. While the men’s team is riding Quick Pro, the Euskadi Foundation’s women’s team, Laboral Kutxa-Euskadi, has partnered with XDS for 2026. Their setup includes the X-Lab AD9 aero bike, equipped with Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8100 groupsets and FSA PowerBox power meter cranksets. The Branta C50UL carbon wheels, with their 50mm-deep rims and lightweight design, are a standout feature – especially considering their surprisingly affordable price tag of AU$1,499. And let’s not forget the jerseys. Designed by MUY Company and made by Agu, they feature icons of influential Spanish women from various fields. It’s a bold statement that’s as inspiring as it is stylish.
So, here’s the big question: Is this the beginning of a new era in cycling, where Chinese brands take center stage, or will traditional powerhouses hold their ground? Let’s keep the conversation going – what’s your take on this shift? And while we’re at it, can we get more teams to embrace such meaningful and creative jersey designs? Pro cycling, take note – this is how you make waves.
