BIRETCO Calls for Boycot of Belgian Suppliers

DOETINCHEM, Netherlands (Octber 28) – In a letter adressed to the Belgian Profile shops, CEO Ron te Riele claims that Biretco is being boycotted and can’t get exhibition space on next years’ Expo Velo in Brussels. Reason being that 3 suppliers have seats in the governing board of the exhibition, and they are blocking Biretco’s entry. Ron te Riele rallies his customers not to buy, or buy the absolute minimum from these suppliers. The names mentioned are: VandenBerghe (Oxford), VanderWal and Ludo (Granville). According to Guido Knabben, secretary of the Expo Velo committee, the definitive decision on Biretco’s joining the exhibition has not yet been made. “We are still discussing the matter, and Mr te Riele is jumping to conclusions. He is obviously trying to get publicity from this, which he is entiteled to, but we haven’t decided yet”. He denies the 3 suppliers having anything to do with this:” It’s not their decision to take; they are members of the board and Federvelo – but the decision is made by all members, not just a few”. Beginning of next week the organisation will decide who can enter the exhibition – in the meantime, Biretco has already announced it will take legal action against the organizing committee.