France

PARIS, France - After a sharp market contraction in 2023, 2024 did not fully reverse the trend. "The year 2024 has not been very easy," summarized Patrick Guinard, president of the Cycle Commission of the Union Sport & Cycle. According to the results of the 2024 French Cycle Observatory published by Union Sport & Cycle at the Vélo in Paris trade show, the French bicycle market generated €3.232 billion in turnover, a 5.9% decline compared to 2023. In volume, 1,956,700 bicycles were sold, representing a 12% drop year-on-year, for a turnover of €2.003 billion (-8.3%).

PLOCHINGEN, Germany - Demand for bicycle and team sports products within the extensive product portfolio of Decathlon has been very strong in Germany last year, reports the sporting goods retail giant. Decathlon expanded their market share in the otherwise weak German bicycle market in 2024 and reported a sales increase of 8% in the category bicycles. However, exact sales figures have not been disclosed.

MUNICH, Germany - In order to further expand its position in the market for premium pre-owned bicycles and e-bikes in France and Europe, TFJ Buycycle GmbH - creator of the German bicycle marketplace Buycycle, has joined forces with the French premium pre-owned marketplace for bicycles, Biked.

AMSTELVEEN, the Netherlands - Ahead of the publication of the official 2024 sales statistics in the Netherlands, market researcher GfK-NIQ reports a shrinking market for e-bikes for the second consecutive year. E-bike suppliers are looking for new ways to regenerate the market. Leasing and employee benefits program are important drivers to expand the market again.

BRUSSELS, Belgium - E-bike brand Cowboy has fully moved its e-bike assembly operations to France. In a strategic nearshoring move, the partnership with Rebirth Group subsidiary ReCycles aims to reduce delivery times, and strengthen customer support as the brand seeks to meet demand for its e-bikes across Europe.

PARIS, France - "The recall of the first-generation Angell e-bikes issued last year brought our adventure to an end despite all our efforts and the incredible work of all the employees, whom I am thinking of tonight." With these words, Marc Simoncini, founder of the French e-bike startup Angell, announced the end of a venture that had once aimed to change urban mobility.

ANNECY, France - After 10 years of research and development and a €19 million investment, active mobility developer, Cixi has announced that its Pers chainless technology is ready to hit the market. The first four bicycles featuring PERS technology will be available for purchase at this year's Eurobike.

PARIS, France - With already 3,400 cargo bikes and 600 trailers used by approximately 650 businesses in France, this alternative to conventional utility vehicles is gaining traction a study led by the French association Les Boîtes à Vélo has found. The 2024 report from the Professional Cyclomobility Observatory sheds light on this growing trend, revealing promising figures and ambitious prospects for the sector.

PRATO, Italy - Delivering groceries transporting up to 100kg and covering around 80 kilometers a day demands more from a cargo-bike than what's possible with a standard model. Italian engineering firm Formula and Ello Mobilité took up the challenge and built a fleet of bikes for French supermarket giant, Carrefour.

PARIS, France - The budget crisis in France which led to a lot of political turmoil recently has a big impact on the bicycle and e-bike industry as well. With no previous warning, the Government announced that all state subsidies for the purchase of bicycles and e-bikes will be eliminated on very short notice. The 'Alliance for Cycling' warns of a significant consequence of such a decision for the whole cycling industry.

LILLE, France - Decathlon Pulse, the investment arm and start-up studio of retail giant Decathlon, and Rebike, well known in the DACH region (Germany, Austria and Switzerland) for the refurbishment and sale of second-hand e-bikes, have teamed-up through an investment to boost refurbished e-bike sales in Europe.

ROMILLY-SUR-SEINE, France - Grégory Trébaol, founder of the Rebirth Group, has become the new owner of Cycleurope Industries SAS based in Romilly-sur-Seine, France after the Grimaldi Group decided to divest this unit. In this interview with Bike Europe, the executive explains why he wanted to acquire Cycleurope's factory in France. He also discusses the strategy and investments planned for the next two years.

LORIOL-SUR-DROME, France - Look Cycle Group has announced the sale of the high-end carbon bicycle wheel specialist Corima. The two companies formed together in 2016 when Look Cycle became the owner of Corima. In 2022 the two companies fully merged but have now split up again effective 30 September 2024.

ROMILLY SUR SEINE, France - The operation of Cycleurope Group and Grimaldi Industri AB in France will be taken-over by the Rebirth Holding SAS as of 7 October. In a short announcement Cycleurope reports the transfer of 100% ownership to Rebirth Holding SAS for an undisclosed amount.

PARIS, France - French bike organisation Filière Vélo has introduced the 'Cyclescore' label, a new standard aimed at promoting the French cycling industry while addressing environmental and societal challenges. "It's a voluntary label that aims to provide the best information to consumers," said Florence Le Gall, general delegate of the Filière Vélo.

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.

TOULOUSE, France - Due to the Olympic games in Paris, the Pro Days organiser, Département Beauté, had to find a new location for the 2024 edition. The company opted to hold the event in Toulouse from June 23 to 25 at the MEETT venue. Despite the shift, Pro Days managed to remain attractive for a growing number of international visitors.