Jan-Willem van Schaik

HOYA, Germany - The wholesaler Hermann Hartje KG has expanded its management team as of 1 November 2024 with the appointment of Thomas Bauer. Hermann Hartje, owner and personally liable partner, appointed Thomas Bauer as an additional managing director alongside Wolfgang Arens and Dirk Zwick.

HAUSHAM, Germany -American cult brand Yeti has announced the opening of a European office in Germany. "Expanding into Europe is the next logical step for us as we have seen a lot of growth over the last decade," says Yeti CEO Chris Conroy. Founded in 1985, Yeti Cycles makes race-bred, obsessively engineered, masterfully crafted mountain bikes.

SAN VENDEMIANO, Italy - Cycling pad manufacturing CyTech S.r.l., known for its Elastic Interface brand, has unified the production at its Mexican factories, whose products had been distributed under the BikePad label.

SHENZHEN, China - Cable integration and the ongoing trend towards connectivity on e-bikes makes cables and connectors smaller. According to manufacturer Chogori the market demands thinner connectors with similar functionalities.

BERLIN, Germany - The German industry organisation ZIV rang the alarm bell last January over the upcoming Federal Forest Act which would pose a big threat for mountain and gravel biking in the nation's forests. In the first draft of the act, which was published recently, the right to enter the forest by bicycle remains largely untouched.

ALKMAAR, the Netherlands - Wholesaler, exclusive agent for many brands and incubator for the Dutch retail market AGU has had to apply for Chapter 11 status and suspend payments.

FRANKFURT, Germany - Martina Rumschick will take up the newly created position of Head of Brand & Content at Eurobike on September 1, 2024. In this role, she will oversee the strategic management of the Eurobike brand, enhance the show's content and position the event in relation to its international competition.

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - The annual event for product managers, the Taichung Bike Week will open its doors again from 24-27 September. The event's relevance has changed significantly, after Eurobike decided to move to the June/July window. The big question this year is whether the market is ready again for this sourcing event.

ROTORUA, New Zealand - Start-up Bike Matrix has secured a significant NZ$2 million (€1.1 million) investment from within the bicycle industry. "This investment from within the bicycle industry, brings invaluable market validation, experience, and expertise from a seasoned industry insider." The name of the investor remains undisclosed but Bike Matrix co-founder Adam Townsend confirmed to Bike Europe that it is a component manufacturer.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - The World Bicycle Industry Association (WBIA) has elected a new board and appointed Salcano Bicycle Company owner Bayram Akgül as the President of the international industry association.