News

LAUSANNE, Switzerland – The biggest names and companies in the global bike industry have joined the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI). After several months of preparation this was officially confirmed by the WFSGI on July 7, 2010. The companies that joined this global association are: Shimano, Accell Group, Trek, SRAM, Specialized, Cycling Sports Group, Advanced Sports, Cervelo, Ridley, Scott and FSA.

The aim for the companies and brands to join the WFSGI is to have global representation on all levels (Sport, Trade, Social and Environmental issues) and for the WFSGI to be the voice of the bicycle industry towards the UCI and the International Olympic Committee.

Following the successful kick off meeting in Lausanne, a Bicycle Steering Group has been formed who will be responsible for all global bicycle industry related other matters. Due to the highly technical
requirements for bicycles, a sub‐committee (working level with experts on UCI issues/requirement) will be set up to deal with UCI and IOC related matters for the bicycle industry (discussion about
rules and regulations).

An important role of the WFSGI, among others, remains its leadership in the areas of corporate responsibility, relations to international federations, the IOC and trade (relation with WTO, permanent WTO missions and governments), where the bicycle brands will
benefit from the large experience of the WFSGI existing committees by sharing best practice and involvement in existing committees.

“The Bicycle industry represents a turnover of over € 40 billion and is growing. It is an important part of the sporting goods industry and their presence in our membership will give all parties a stronger
representation on global issues,” says Robbert de Kock, WFSGI Secretary General.

WFSGI will be present at the bicycle trade fairs starting with Eurobike
in Friedrichshafen in September, where the Association invites other companies and brands to join the WFSGI and its activities.

The World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry was founded in 1978 and is the world authoritative body for the sports industry officially recognized by the IOC as the industry representative within the Olympic family. The WFSGI is an independent, non-profit and non-governmental association formed by sports brands, manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, national federations and all sporting goods industry related businesses. The WFSGI plays a strategic role in the support and promotion of the sporting goods industry worldwide. More at on www.wfsgi.org