Jan-Willem van Schaik

TREVIGLIO, Italy - Bianchi has taken the next step in its strategic reorientation of the market and announced the start of direct distribution in Scandinavia. The new organisation in the Nordic countries is part of a strategic project to strengthen Bianchi's presence and competitiveness in the European market.

FRANKFURT, Germany - Exhibiting at Eurobike is an important part of Yadea's global branding strategy and future European market development. "Committed to promoting the popularisation of clean and efficient means of personal transportation, Yadea's participation in the show delivers an important branding message to the industry in Europe," says Yadea Vice GM Heidi Zang.

COPENHAGEN, Denmark - The European Commission has a role to play in formulating cycling policy. This was acknowledged by the Executive VP of the European Commission Frans Timmermans. "We must support more and new measures to grow cycling in Europe," he said.

HELSINKI, Finland - The market has seen a surge in cargo bike manufacturers in the past few years, each taking their own approach. Finnish start-up Ouca claims to have built-up a new concept for cargo bikes from scratch. "We have abandoned traditional bicycle parts in all the critical places," says Ouca founder Tuomas Alapuranen.

DENKENDORF, Germany - At Eurobike gearbox specialists Pinion will launch the next generation e-bike drive gearbox together with introduction partner Stromer. In line with the current trend and as long time discussed in the industry, we expected that Pinion will present it first electronically shifting gearbox.

TOKYO, Japan - After 40 years since its first introduction, the Shimano 105 group set is receiving the ultimate upgrade with a move to Di2 electronic shifting technology. This introduction not only delivers Di2 to an entirely new range of riders, but also offers Shimano's flagship 12-speed, wireless shifting with easy operation and increased reliability.

TALLINN, Estonia - After making Comodule successful as supplier for e-bikes and scooters with connectivity systems, CEO and co-founder Kristjan Maruste is handing over the CEO role to Teet Praks, also co-founder of Comodule.

TAIPEI, Taiwan - In March 2023 the physical edition of the Int'l Taipei Cycle Show will open its door again, organiser TAITRA has announced. As the world is gradually lifting its travel restrictions and co-existing with COVID-19, TAITRA expects more international visitors to attend the show.

BEVERWIJK, the Netherlands - Optima Cycles has taken the production of its Dutch ID e-bike line to a higher level with the introduction of an all-new assembly line. "In order to guarantee our quality and innovation, production optimising is a constant process," explains COO Michiel Dreef. "The implementation of the Marchetti Airline is an important step in that process."

HEERENVEEN, the Netherlands - The initial offer of the KKR-led consortium for the Accell Group's share was not welcomed by all parties involved. Especially the smaller shareholders were not content and felt being put under pressure to register their shares anyway. Now KKR will start legal buy-out proceedings in order to obtain 100% of the shares.