Jan-Willem van Schaik

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.

ANNECY, France - The choice for Alberto Morgando as new CEO by Mavic owner Bourrelier Group last March was the next step in the reorganization of the company. After working together with Jean-Michel Bourrelier on Mavic's future business plan Alberto took up the responsibility of implementing the plan. What can the industry expect from Mavic?

LILLE, France - One of the best known Decathlon executives in the bicycle industry, Didier Morelle has announced his departure from the French retailer. In the past decades, he became a well known face in the international bicycle industry, holding various positions at Europe's largest bicycle retailer, lastly as bike procurement director.

AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands - Fundracer BV launched their first micromobility fund with a mission to provide capital and hands-on support to companies poised to become leaders in the fast-growing micro-mobility industry. Founded by bike industry entrepreneurs René Wiertz, Gérard Vroomen, and Andy Ording, Fundracer is expertly positioned to support companies in this market to maximize their chances of success.

TAICHUNG, Taiwan - In response to the trend towards energy-efficient assembly technologies for bicycles, Transart has developed a decal that requires only one baking process. This technology was displayed at Eurobike.