Belgian bike brand Ridley and Belgian team, Lotto Soudal, have announced that they are extending their partnership through the end of the 2026 season. Their current agreement wrapped up at the end of 2022.
“We are very proud to announce this extension,” said Jochim Aerts, CEO of Belgian Cycling Factory. “In 2025, Ridley will have been racing for 20 years at the very highest level of cycling. That’s a very big deal for a Belgian bike company, competing against the giants in the cycling industry.”
“Innovation is one of our cornerstones,” continues Aerts, “and is mandatory if you want to work with a WorldTour team. We will also innovate in the coming seasons, so that the team can continue to race with the best bikes. In 2022, we will launch the new Dean Fast. These innovations are necessary to support talents such as Van Moer and Vermeersch.”
Ridley and Lotto Soudal have partnered in racing at the highest level of cycling since 2005. Back then, the team was Davitamon-Lotto, and then transitioning to Predictor-Lotto, Silence-Lotto, Omega Pharma-Lotto, Lotto-Belisol, and now Lotto Soudal. Ridley bikes have helped the team win 15 national titles, over 60 Grand Tour stage wins, 3 monuments, and 7 classic wins.
“First of all, I am extremely proud that we will continue to work with Ridley in the coming years,” commented John Lelangue, General Manager of Lotto Soudal. “As a Belgian company that focuses on innovation, quality and performance, it is a perfect match with what Lotto Soudal stands for. Just like us, Ridley has the passion to take Belgian cycling to an even higher level. This has already been expressed in the many successes that we have achieved in a partnership of almost fifteen years.”
“The interaction between Ridley’s R&D department and Lotto Soudal’s riders and staff is crucial to continuously improve and adapt the bikes to the needs of top riders. Crucial here is the use of the state-of-the-art wind tunnel in Bikevalley. I think of the bike with which Victor Campenaerts broke the hour record or the specific Noah on which Caleb Ewan already claimed more than twenty victories. Recently modified Noah Fast Discs were developed for Paris-Roubaix, where Florian Vermeersch sprinted to the podium. And without a doubt, our collaboration will continue to enjoy many successes in the coming years.”
Lotto Soudal will have three different bikes available to them for 2022, the Noah Fast Disc aero road bike, Helium SLX Disc climbing bike, and the new Dean Fast Disc time trial bike. Selle Italia, Deda, Lizard Skins, and Vittoria will all return, but the team will move to Shimano drivetrains, KMC chains, and DT Swiss wheels. CEMA bearings will also be used in the builds.
“For three seasons, my Ridley Noah Fast Disc and I took part in the most important competitions in the world. And I can safely say that it has been a winning combination. And why tinker with a winning team?”, exclaims Lotto Soudal rider Caleb Ewan. Adding, “That’s why I’m very happy that we will continue to work with Ridley in the coming seasons. It’s amazing to be able to rely on their extensive expertise. As a professional cyclist, it gives you a nice feeling that our feedback is used to continuously improve the bikes. I think that’s one of the most important keys to success. That’s why I can’t wait to see what the next few years will bring. I am sure we will create many more great memories together.”
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