Eurobike 2025 Pre-Show Insights with Managing Director Stefan Reisinger
Stefan Reisinger is the Managing Director of Fairnamic which is the organization behind the Eurobike event in Frankfurt. In this timely conversation, Stefan provides an insider's perspective on what to expect at this year's show in Frankfurt, including 1,500+ exhibiting companies, new industry innovations, and the launch of a groundbreaking global bicycle purchasing index. With the cycling industry navigating challenging times, Stefan discusses how EUROBIKE serves as both a mirror to market conditions and a potential catalyst for recovery. Plus, he shares practical tips for maximizing your time at the event and highlights must-see panels and networking opportunities.00:39 Meet Stefan Reisinger: Managing Director of Fairnamic 01:37 EUROBIKE 2025: Updates and Expectations04:03 Global Participation and Market Trends04:54 Innovations and New Features at EUROBIKE10:53 Tips for Attending EUROBIKE12:17 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsRead the latest 'The Business of Cycling' BlogSign up for 'The Business of Cycling' Newsletter
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From Child Actor to Cycling's Premier Agency CEO: Wayne Brown's Unconventional Journey
Wayne Brown's unconventional journey from child actor to London advertising executive, working with major brands like Apple and Land Rover, led him to an unexpected destination: becoming CEO of cycling's premier marketing agency.Despite not being an avid cyclist when he joined Shift Active Media, Wayne has helped build what many consider the industry's most influential marketing firm. In this candid conversation, he shares insights on brand positioning, navigating industry volatility, and the future of cycling marketing.00:00 Introduction to Wayne Brown and Shift Active Media01:49 Wayne Brown's Early Life and Career Beginnings02:58 Transition from Acting to Advertising04:34 Climbing the Advertising Ladder13:10 High-Profile Advertising Campaigns16:21 Shift to Digital Advertising20:07 Joining Shift Active Media23:39 The Evolution of Shift and GCN27:28 Becoming CEO of Shift28:46 Challenges of Entering the Cycling Industry30:46 Shift's Position in the Cycling Market33:19 Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic35:56 Expanding Beyond Cycling40:29 Shift's Comprehensive Service Offering45:27 Importance of Brand Positioning51:19 Macro Trends in Media56:09 Shift's Marketing and PR Strategy59:17 Conclusion and Contact InformationRead the latest 'The Business of Cycling' BlogSign up for 'The Business of Cycling' Newsletter
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Cycling Tips, Rapha & Escape Collective: The Accidental Blogger that Built a Cycling Media Empire
Wade Wallace's journey from a nuclear research town in Manitoba to building one of cycling's most influential media platforms was anything but conventional. As the founder of Cycling Tips and now Escape Collective, Wallace shares how a simple blog started during the 2008 financial crisis grew into a pioneering digital cycling platform.This conversation traces his path from accidental blogger to media entrepreneur, including his formative years at Rapha and his vision for sustainable, independent cycling journalism. His unique story serves as a microcosm of cycling media's evolution in the digital age.00:00 Introduction to Wade Wallace03:05 Wade's Early Life in Manitoba05:39 University and Early Career06:48 Accidental Foray into Competitive Cycling13:59 The Birth of Cycling Tips26:31 Joining Rapha and Learning the Ropes35:49 Balancing Rapha and Cycling Tips37:12 Reflecting on the Early Days of Cycling Tips37:38 Transitioning from Rapha to Cycling Tips40:36 Challenges and Growth of Cycling Tips45:22 Entering the U.S. Market and Taking on Investment49:16 Partnership with Pinkbike and Private Equity55:18 The Outside Acquisition and Its Challenges01:03:28 Launching Escape Collective01:09:59 The Future of Cycling Media01:13:13 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsRead the latest 'The Business of Cycling' BlogSign up for 'The Business of Cycling' Newsletter
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The Future of Distribution: Live @ Cycling World 2025 Dusseldorf
Live from Cycling World 2025 Dusseldorf: In the discussion we dive into the future of cycling distribution with industry experts from Harmen van Es of Stichting DST & Dynamo Retail Group, Luca Bergliaffa of Assos, and Michael Scholz of SRM. Discover how digital integration, data sharing, and omnichannel strategies are transforming relationships between brands, retailers, and distributors in an increasingly connected cycling ecosystem.00:00 - 01:45: Introduction and Welcome 01:46 - 05:30: Panel Introductions 05:31 - 12:00: Evolution of Online Shopping in Cycling 12:01 - 18:45: Product Data Sharing and Integration 18:46 - 25:30: POS Systems and Retailer Integration 25:31 - 32:15: B2C vs B2B Customer Experience 32:16 - 38:00: Customer Data and Analytics 38:01 - 45:30: Future Trends in Distribution 45:31 - 47:00: Closing Remarks and ThanksRead the latest 'The Business of Cycling' BlogSign up for 'The Business of Cycling' Newsletter
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From Swoosh to Scorpion: How Castelli's Steve Smith Upended the Apparel Business
The following is my conversation with Steve Smith. At the risk of sounding hyperbolic, he's among the most accomplished and interesting people that I've met in the cycling business. In addition to being a hardworking and genuine guy.Steve started his career at Nike in Oregon.His dream job was working for Nike, and after 10 years with the swoosh, he decided to pull up roots and move himself and his wife to Europe. I asked him why he did this. He said, he just wanted a new adventure, to discover something new. And where he landed was at Manifattura Valcismon in Veneto, where he went on to help the Cremonese family to reacquire the Castelli brand.From bankruptcy, they took it literally to the moon because it's become among the top brands in the cycling clothing business. I'm really fortunate to know Steve throughout my career, and I'm really, really excited to share his story with all of you in the cycling world.00:00 - 02:30: IntroductionBrief overview of Steve's career trajectoryIntroduction to the podcast02:30 - 07:45: Early Life and Cycling BeginningsGrowing up in Boring, OregonEarly cycling experiencesFirst race bike and Campagnolo componentsEducation and interest in French07:45 - 15:30: Nike YearsStarting at Nike in 1990Working in sales operationsEuropean assignment in AmsterdamProduct line management for cycling footwear and sandals15:30 - 21:15: The Big Move to ItalyDecision to leave Nike and move to EuropeThe conversation with his wife about relocatingLearning Italian and preparing for the moveConnection with Tim Maloney leading to Manifattura Valcismon21:15 - 28:00: Early Days at Manifattura ValcismonInitial role with SportfulThe challenges of working in a small Italian family companyLearning the cycling market and Italian business culture28:00 - 35:45: The Castelli AcquisitionThe 2004 purchase of CastelliInitial strategy and involvement with the US marketRepositioning the brand back to its performance rootsHistory of Castelli and Maurizio Castelli's innovations35:45 - 42:30: Product Innovation at CastelliDeveloping aerodynamic cycling clothingThe creation of the GABA jacketWorking with team Cervelo Test TeamThe importance of the product development team42:30 - 48:15: Distribution and Marketing EvolutionInternational distribution strategyDealing with online retail and discountingChanging landscape of cycling apparel distributionImpact of COVID on inventory and the supply chain48:15 - 54:00: Marketing and Communication StrategyEvolution from print to digital marketingSponsoring professional teamsHow pro cycling's influence has changedApplying Nike marketing experience to Castelli54:00 - 60:00: Life in Italy and Final ThoughtsBecoming integrated into Italian cultureReflections on 20+ years in ItalyFamily company dynamicsLooking toward the future
The Business of Cycling podcast takes you inside the cycling world from the perspective of those that work in the sector. Hear from passionate entrepreneurs and professionals from brands, teams, and bike shops.Read the latest 'The Business of Cycling' BlogSign up for 'The Business of Cycling' Newsletter