BMC Bikes Exits WorldTour in 2024 as Sponsor
∘ BMC and AG2R Citroën Team Part Ways After Three Years
∘ BMC Seeks Government Aid in Economic Headwinds Industry
∘ Chris Boardman joins in the BMC’s fighting climate crisis
∘ BMC Bikes’ Background Hitory
BMC and AG2R Citroën Team Part Ways After Three Years
Following a three-year partnership (2021–2023) with the American brand, the French team will switch to new bicycles for the upcoming season. Arriving in 2021 with its headliner Greg Van Avermaet, BMC is therefore bowing out at the same time as the Belgian rider, who has just retired.
After Groupama-FDJ, Lotto Dstny, and TotalEnergies, another major team in the peloton will be changing its equipment supplier in 2024. Indeed, via a press release, the bicycle brand BMC and the AG2R Citroën team (which will become AG2R Décathlon in 2024) have announced the end of their partnership.
No reason was given for the split, but it comes at a time when BMC is reportedly looking to reduce its involvement in professional cycling. The Swiss brand has been a sponsor of several teams in recent years, but it is now thought to be focusing on its core business of selling bicycles.
AG2R Citroën is also undergoing a change of sponsor, as the French team will become AG2R Décathlon in 2024. The team has not yet announced its new equipment supplier, but it is expected to make a decision in the coming weeks.
BMC Seeks Government Aid in Economic Headwinds Industry
Swiss bicycle manufacturer BMC has applied for “short-time working” assistance from the canton of Solothurn, amid ongoing economic challenges in the cycling industry. This measure allows companies to reduce employee working hours while the government compensates up to 80% of lost wages, aiming to prevent layoffs.
BMC’s move reflects a broader trend of difficulties faced by cycling brands post-pandemic. Many companies, including BMC, have already implemented cost-cutting measures such as staff reductions. The industry has struggled with the whiplash effect of supply shortages during peak demand, followed by a sharp decline as inventories normalized.
Other major players in the cycling world, such as Zwift, Specialized, and Shimano, have also reported financial setbacks. BMC’s most notable recent change was its exit from WorldTour sponsorship, though it continues to support the Swiss Tudor Pro Cycling team.
The situation underscores the ongoing volatility in the cycling market, with brands seeking various strategies to navigate the current economic landscape.
Chris Boardman joins in the BMC’s fighting climate crisis
In a significant environmental initiative, former Olympic cyclist Chris Boardman CBE kicked off his “Pedal for Paris” journey by joining BMC staff in the Peak District to highlight climate crisis mitigation projects.
The event, which took place yesterday, saw Boardman participate in sphagnum moss planting as part of the BMC Access & Conservation Trust’s “The Climate Project.”
Boardman, currently Chair of Sport England, will cycle 550 miles over eight days from Manchester to Paris, arriving on July 23. The journey aims to raise awareness for Sport England’s Going for Green Pledge, which encourages environmental action in sports.
The BMC, an early signatory to the Going for Green Pledge, demonstrated its commitment to reaching Net Zero by 2040.
Dr. Cath Flitcroft, BMC Senior Policy & Campaigns Officer, emphasized the importance of sphagnum moss in carbon sequestration and water retention, noting its role in preserving landscapes for outdoor enthusiasts.
To date, BMC volunteers and staff have planted over 16,000 sphagnum plugs, with members donating more than £70,000 to support the project. This effort will restore 2,400 square metres of sphagnum on Peak District moors.
Paul Ratcliffe, BMC Chief Executive Officer, expressed gratitude for Boardman’s spotlight on their conservation work and thanked members for their support in protecting environments for future generations.
Boardman’s journey is notable for its commitment to sustainability, featuring eco-friendly clothing and electric support vehicles. The initiative aligns with Sport England’s environmental strategy, which mandates that organizations seeking public funding must have an environmental strategy and action plan by 2027.
BMC Bikes’ Background Hitory
BMC Bikes is a Swiss bicycle manufacturer founded in 1991 by Bob Bigelow. The company is known for its high-performance road and mountain bikes, which are used by some of the world’s top professional cyclists. BMC Bikes is headquartered in Grenchen, Switzerland, and has a global distribution network.
The company’s philosophy is to design and build bikes that are both technologically advanced and aesthetically pleasing. BMC Bikes uses a variety of innovative materials and technologies, such as carbon fiber and 3D printing, to create lightweight, stiff, and responsive bikes.
BMC Bikes has a strong racing heritage, and its bikes have been used to win numerous races at the highest level of the sport. The company’s most successful model is the Teammachine, which has won several World Championships and Olympic gold medals.
In addition to its road and mountain bikes, BMC Bikes also produces a range of gravel bikes, urban bikes, and kids’ bikes. The company is committed to providing its customers with the best possible cycling experience, and its bikes are backed by a comprehensive warranty.
Here are some of the key characteristics of BMC Bikes
- High-performance: BMC Bikes are designed and built to perform at the highest level of the sport.
- Innovative: BMC Bikes uses a variety of innovative materials and technologies to create lightweight, stiff, and responsive bikes.
- Aesthetically pleasing: BMC Bikes are known for their sleek design and elegant lines.
- Racing heritage: BMC Bikes has a strong racing heritage, and its bikes have been used to win numerous races at the highest level of the sport.
- Comprehensive warranty: BMC Bikes are backed by a comprehensive warranty.
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