Descente Cycling Apparel, licensed and distributed exclusively by Axcent Sports in North America, Europe, Australia and elsewhere, has been named the official cycling apparel supplier to the Team CSC professional cycling team, based in Denmark and run by Riis Cycling.

The team, comprised of 30 of the top cyclists in the world, includes Ivan Basso, a top pick to win the Tour de France and three top Americans as well: Bobby Julich, Christian Vande Velde and David Zabriskie, who won this year’s opening time trial in the Tour de France. Team CSC is owned by Bjarne Riis, himself a former top professional cyclist and the only Dane to ever win the Tour de France, which he did in 1996.

“Descente is a brand that has the legacy, quality and brand strength that we’re looking for to match our philosophy. We’re very happy to have Descente on board as our clothing supplier and are looking forward to wearing the Descente cycling apparel in 2006,” Riis said.

The team’s main goal for 2006 is of course the Tour de France. Ivan Basso, who over the last two seasons has placed third and second in the Tour is among the main contenders for the overall victory.

“Team CSC and Ivan Basso have come very close with Lance Armstrong in the race. Now with Lance no longer in the field and the team more focused and mature it’s a whole new race that CSC plans to win. It’s a tremendous opportunity for us.” Said Jim Mohan, Descente’s Director of Design & Marketing.

Hugh Walton, founder of Axcent Sports, Olympian and former professional cyclist, said, “Bringing Team CSC, the winner of the 2005 ProTour, together with Descente is a dream come true for me. The team is the most visible and successful in the world and will showcase the Descente brand for millions worldwide. We’re partnered with a winning team that reflects our own company’s values.”