SRAM’s all new and incredibly successful (see Spring Classics) mechanical groupset, SRAM RED-2012, will tackle its first Tour de France only months after its introduction. The majority of SRAM’s five teams will be racing the revolutionary groupset that delivers exactly what riders have asked for:

• World’s fastest zero-loss shifting
• Near-silent drivetrain
• YAW trimless front derailleur
• Best-in-class ergonomics
• Lightest groupset ever
• Powerful brakes that allow riders to go faster longer

“Each year, SRAM delivers new innovation and game changing technologies. After an incredible spring campaign, we are excited to watch Red 2012 as the components of choice for five powerful Tour de France Teams,” said SRAM President, Stan Day.

SRAM Teams - 2012 Tour de France:
AG2R La Mondiale (FRA) Look for Nicolas Roche to return to the top 10 again, along with fellow Frenchman, and Giro podium finisher, Jon Gadret. Sylvain Georges, the fan favorite and dramatic stage winner from the Amgen Tour of California, could take another shot at a win during Le Tour. Frames: Kuota / Componentry: SRAM Black RED Edition

Astana Pro Team (KAZ) is coming off a great spring, including two solid wins at the Tour de Suisse. Alexander Vinokourov, in his last race, will certainly provide fireworks, and perhaps he will continue racing once he feels the full advantages of SRAM RED-2012? Leading for the overall will be Janez Brajkovic, whose all-around ability could vault him onto the podium. If Roman Kreuziger rides, he could also factor in the GC hunt. Frame: Specialized / Componentry: SRAM RED-2012

Liquigas-Cannondale (ITA) have Green and Yellow threats, including the Prince of Sprint, Peter Sagan, who is currently ranked 6th in the world and will be aiming for the Sprinter’s jersey. Vincenzo Nibali, ranked 4th, will aim at the top step, and with a solid team supporting him, including Ivan Basso. It could be the green team’s year. Frame: Cannondale / Componentry: SRAM RED-2012

Omega Pharma-Quick-Step Pro Cycling Team (BEL) features perennial threat Levi Leipheimer for the GC, World Champion Tony Martin in the time trails, and Sylvain Chavanel for anytime there is an opportunity. The most successful team of the spring, and the first team on RED-2012, will look to add to their total of 31 road wins. Frame: Specialized / Componentry: SRAM RED-2012 / Power: Quarq  / Wheels: Zipp / Bars-Stems-Seatposts: Zipp

Team Saxo Bank (DEN) will feature gifted climber Chris Anker-Sorensen for the overall, along with former Tour de France stage winner and road captain Nicki Sorensen for stages. Grand Tour stage winner JJ Haedo will roll the dice in the sprints, with his reinforced lead-out train. Frame: Specialized / Componentry: SRAM RED-2012 / Wheels: Zipp / Bars-Stems-Seatposts: Zipp