Van Rysel, the French cycling brand owned by Decathlon, appointed Karsten Hagen as U.S. sales manager. Most recently, Hagen was the head of sales for Giant Bicycles USA’s Western U.S. region.
Hagen has over two decades of experience in the cycling and endurance sports industry, including 14 years at Giant Bicycles USA.
In his new role, Hagen will focus on growing and supporting Van Rysel’s specialty retailer network across the United States, working closely with partners to drive wholesale sell-in and retail sell-through. Van Rysel said its U.S. strategy “centers on a credibility-first rollout, focused on building a network of high-quality IBD partners who represent the brand at the highest level.”
Van Rysel said the hiring comes as recent results from the Decathlon CMA CGM team, including Paul Seixas’s podium performances, are raising awareness of the Van Rysel range of bikes.
“Van Rysel is at an exciting inflection point in the U.S. market,” said Hagen. “The product performs at the highest level of the sport, and the opportunity within the specialty channel is significant. I look forward to working closely with our retail partners to build a meaningful and lasting presence.”
Beverly Jacobus, director of Specialty Brands at Decathlon NA, added, “I have known and respected Karsten for a long time. He brings deep experience in the specialty retail channel and a clear understanding of how to build and support dealer networks effectively. His background with leading performance brands makes him a strong fit for the future of Van Rysel in the U.S.”
As part of his onboarding, Hagen reportedly joined the Van Rysel management team at Paris-Roubaix last weekend. He will also attend key industry events this spring, including the Sea Otter Classic and the Belgian Waffle Ride series, to engage with retailers.
Image courtesy Van Rysel
