BERINGEN, Belgium - The acquisition of Nukeproof by Belgian Cycling Factory (BCF) as the company announced last week is a critical part of its long-term strategy plan called Horizon 2030. "Building a leading position on the MTB market is an essential part of our long-term vision," explains Belgian Cycling Factory CEO and owner Joachim Aerts. "With Nukeproof we have gained an important position in the market."
AMSTELVEEN, the Netherlands - Ahead of the publication of the official 2024 sales statistics in the Netherlands, market researcher GfK-NIQ reports a shrinking market for e-bikes for the second consecutive year. E-bike suppliers are looking for new ways to regenerate the market. Leasing and employee benefits program are important drivers to expand the market again.
BRUSSELS, Belgium - E-bike brand Cowboy has fully moved its e-bike assembly operations to France. In a strategic nearshoring move, the partnership with Rebirth Group subsidiary ReCycles aims to reduce delivery times, and strengthen customer support as the brand seeks to meet demand for its e-bikes across Europe.
KORTRIJK, Belgium - Is Belgium the 'most promising market' amidst the other European markets where companies are struggling with financial burdens and slow demand? "2024 has not been a crisis year for the bicycle industry," said Paul Glorieux, secretary general of the Belgium industry association Traxio-Velo at the presentation of the 2024 market statistics.
KORTRIJK, Belgium - The Velofollies is known as the trade and consumer show which kicks-off the season, often in a positive mood. Whether this is realistic at the moment is a big question, given the problems in the industry. The great enthusiasm of almost 40,000 visitors ensured that the exhibitors dared to be cautiously positive about the 2025 market again.
EINDHOVEN, The Netherlands - Shimano Europe is extending its cooperation with GXO, a company that manages outsourced supply chains and warehousing, to perform logistic services across Europe. The component manufacturer will now move its warehouse operations in Belgium to GXO's facility in Venray, the Netherlands.
BRUSSELS, Belgium - Folding bike specialist Ahooga has welcomed Tomi Viiala, former CEO of Stromer, as an advisor to the Board. Known for his instrumental role in transforming Stromer into the global leader in speed pedelecs, Viiala will support Ahooga in advising on driving strategic growth across Europe.
BRUSSELS, Belgium - Over the first nine months of 2024, registrations of second-hand speed pedelecs in Belgium increased by +17.4% compared to the same period in 2023, and by +39.3% compared to 2022, according to figures released by trade association Traxio. However, for new speed pedelecs a reverse trend is seen as sales dropped 17.9% compared to 2023.
BERINGEN, Belgium - To extend its European sales network Belgian Cycling Factory (BCF) has been reviewing its business model and market strategy as part of a major expansion of its business. As owner of brands like Ridley Bikes and Eddy Merckx the company wrote a 'book of promises' for current and future retail partners to clarify this new strategy.
BRUSSELS, Belgium - The omnichannel brand Cowboy has announced a new strategic investor. Cypress Capital is leading a €5 million financing round supported by existing investors. Hongkong based Cypress Capital invested €3 million while other existing Cowboy partners Index Ventures, Hardware Club, Future Positive Capital, Isomer, and Exor together invested another €2 million.
HASSELT, Belgium - A leading Belgian lease concept provider Cyclis has been acquired by JobRad Group as of 2 September. The much bigger JobRad Group obtained 60% of the shares while founders and other stakeholders now own 40%. "We share the same vision, ambition and approach. In JobRad Group, we have found the ideal partner to further strengthen our position on the Belgian and Dutch market," says Joep Kempen, CEO of 10 years old Cyclis.
ANTWERP, Belgium - Drivetrain brand, Classified has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Dennis Weijers as chief commercial officer (CCO). Weijers joins Classified from Shimano Europe, where he served as director of marketing.
TESSENDERLO, Belgium - The delivery problems at Shimano Benelux have arisen since warehousing and distribution was outsourced to logistics service provider Kühne+Nagel in 2023. Although Shimano did not give any reasons for the delivery problem, sources indicate that the 'mismatch' between both IT systems is the main cause of the problems.
BERINGEN, Belgium - As a very well-known performance brand, Ridley Bikes has been visible in all top level road race competitions for the past two decades. Owner Belgian Cycling Factory, who also holds the labels Eddy Merckx and Corsa, is now building an international European organisation to capitalise on its successful business model.
LUXEMBOURG, Luxembourg - One individual and two companies have been found guilty of evading customs duties on the importation of e-bikes from China. The case was investigated and prosecuted by the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) in Brussels last week. In total, the three defendants were found guilty of evading €3.1 million in customs duties and were sentenced to a fine of over €15.5 million each.
Subscribers onlyBRUSSELS, Belgium - In Belgium, over 18% fewer bicycles were sold in 2023. Sales decreased from nearly 700,000 to 569,605 units, according to figures shared jointly by Traxio and GfK. However, there are no concerns for the longer term. The e-bike is expected to be the cornerstone of the Belgian market, with specialist retailers playing an essential role in sales.
BERINGEN, Belgium - The Belgian Cycling Factory, owner of the brands Ridley and Eddy Merckx steps up its activity in the market with the appointment of industry veteran Eugene Fierkens. While Edward Vlutters returns back home. Fierkens will now take up the position of general manager strategy & business while Vlutters started as sales director in February.
LEUVEN, Belgium - High-quality, low weight bicycles with a high performance are high on the wish-list of many cyclists. Carbon material ticks most boxes on this list, except that carbon frames show brittle fractures and are vulnerable to direct impact. To address the weak impact resistance of carbon, Rein4ced has introduced a hybrid material and innovated the production method.
