The Confederation of the European Bicycle Industry (CONEBI) and Cycling Industries Europe (CIE) have merged to establish one unified voice for the cycling business in Europe.

The formation of European Cycling Industries (ECI) “marks a milestone for the European cycling ecosystem.”

“By integrating the strengths of both organizations, European Cycling Industries will bolster the industry’s collective ability to represent, promote and grow cycling across Europe, consolidating expertise in industrial policy, market development and mobility under one structure,” the organization said in a media release announcing completion of merger talks.

“European Cycling Industries will deliver more coherent advocacy, improved coordination across policy areas and greater support to its members,” the new team said.

As part of establishing the new organization, Tony Grimaldi (Cycleurope) was elected ECI president and Volker Thiemann (Velo de Ville, ZIV) was elected vice president. The two will swap roles in the second year of their mandate.

“This merger is a historic moment for our industry,” offered Grimaldi. “I’m honored to have been elected to be the first president by our new board and thank the trust of my colleagues at this pivotal time for the cycling industry. By uniting our resources, expertise, and ambitions, we are creating a stronger platform to advocate for our sector.”

Thiemann added, “I am delighted to take on this role at such an important moment for our industry. I look forward to fostering close collaboration between national associations and member companies, ensuring their combined expertise drives the growth and impact of the new organization across Europe.”

The Board has also confirmed Paul Walsh as CEO of the joint organization.

“Cycling is one of Europe’s industrial strengths, but too often its impact remains overlooked,” noted Walsh. “By uniting under a single voice in Brussels, we can ensure that the true scale and potential of our industry and ecosystem is recognized — from manufacturing and technology to new mobility services. This merger enables us to advocate more effectively, promote European leadership, and support the growth of a sector that contributes so much to Europe’s economy, society, and sustainability.”

The inaugural Board of European Cycling Industries, with representatives from seven National Association members and seven company members, is as follows:

  • Bayram Akgül, BISED, Turkey
  • Pedro Araújo, ABIMOTA, Portugal
  • Jeffrey Chin, MKKSZ, Hungary
  • Massimo Panzeri, ANCMA, Italy
  • Mateusz Pytko, PSR, Poland
  • Remco Tekstra, RAI, Netherlands
  • Volker Thiemann, ZIV, Germany

 

  • Kristian Brink, Urban Sharing
  • Nick Brown, Vélogik UK
  • Malcolm Davies, Trek
  • Raymond Gense, Pon.Bike
  • Tony Grimaldi, Cycleurope
  • Friederike Pischnick, Bosch eBike Systems
  • Herman van Beveren, Decathlon