With the recent news from Boris Johnson and many world leaders that we are entering lockdown and with even more troubling times ahead of us, companies, industry’s, Government’s and people face uncertainty. An industry that has been hit hard is the world of cycling. 

 

The cycling world has been devastated with the news of classic bike races, such as Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Giro’d Italia being cancelled or postponed. Despite the devastation for Fans, the bigger issue are the teams and the industry itself; with cycling being a fairly niche sport, despite it’s recent growth, teams and brands rely on these world-renowned races for investment and growth and with the news of lockdown beginning this is being made a major issue. 

 

Major group-set developers Shimano and SRAM who provide for major cycling teams, such as Team INEOS (formerly Sky) and Team Sunweb amongst others, have been affected massively. With their major factories being in Taiwan and China, SRAM and Shimano’s supply for not only these teams but everyone else has dropped massively. With factories being closed for almost three weeks, the supply for Spring and Summer (cycling’s most busy period) is decreasing and the lack of components will affect the teams and those who are looking to get active during lockdown and going out for a bike ride.

 

Despite, the major affects on bike production, global teams and people, some parts of the cycling world are benefitting. Some countries, such as Spain can fine those who leave the house up to 3000 euros, luckily enough for us we still have the pleasure of being able to to exercise. However, virtual cycling platform, Zwift means that people can ride and race in the comfort of their own home. With teams losing out on investment through cancelled tours, Zwift is providing another alternative. The UK PR director of Zwift, has recognised the huge increase in demand, from teams, athletes and people and is developing new races and opportunities for Zwift newcomers. 

 

Despite the fears arising in the cycling world with regards to COVID-19, it is good to see so many people back home taking the opportunity to get out on their bikes and continue to to grow the sport. Most importantly, stay at home and stay safe and avoid any contact with anyone else when enjoying your bike ride.