One of the most crucial factors in modern professional cycling is aerodynamics. Small changes may only save a few watts, but over a 200 km stage at an average speed of 45 km/h or in a sprint finish exceeding 70 km/h, these marginal gains can make all the difference.
Last Season, We Went Looking for Improvements
We started a partnership with ONE-K, an innovative startup from the Palatinate region. This company, led by materials experts Dr. Marcel Bücker, Dr. Thomas Robbert, and Dr. Valentin Hortdörfer, has revolutionized wheel construction with a new spoke technology. Their expertise has gained recognition throughout the industry.
This collaboration led to a partnership with our wheel supplier, aerycs from Hamburg, which integrates ONE-K's spoke system into its lightest wheels. This gives our riders a significant advantage, especially when the road goes steeply uphill.
Unexpected Visitors from the Far East
One day, unexpected guests from Asia arrived in the small village of Freinsheim in the Palatinate. But their interest was not in the famous vineyards of the region, which have already attracted numerous visitors from around the world. Instead, they were eager to learn more about the fiber spokes being developed in a former art blacksmith’s workshop.
They came from CEEPO. Ever heard of them?
Triathletes know the name well, as CEEPO has long been a pioneer in the development of futuristic, aerodynamic frames. The company was founded in Japan in 2003 by Nobuyuki “Joe” Tanaka with the goal of making triathlon bikes more aerodynamic.
Patrick Lechner, head of our Development Team and also involved in marketing at ONE-K, wasn’t familiar with CEEPO before. But when he took a closer look at their products and saw the strong focus on aerodynamics, he was immediately intrigued.
The Perfect Choice
We carefully examined CEEPO’s frames and were impressed by the many small details and outstanding craftsmanship. Japan, like Germany, is known for its engineering excellence, and every closer look at the frame confirmed this reputation. CEEPO has developed completely unique solutions with a clear focus on aerodynamics.
The decision was easy. We wanted to be the first professional road cycling team to ride CEEPO bikes, making another step forward in material advantages with an aerodynamic focus. CEEPO was also eager to transfer its extensive experience from triathlon to road cycling.
The success of our 2024 season has proven that we made the right choice.
A Small Village in France
During our winter training camp, we gathered with our riders for a workshop in a remote French village, tucked away in a countryside holiday home. To our surprise, we had unexpected visitors again. Megan, CEEPO’s CEO from Taiwan, traveled with Jean, the chief engineer responsible for developing our team bikes.
Our riders got an exclusive first look at our new time trial frame. Additionally, we received a detailed presentation on the extensive processes and tests involved in developing a time trial frame. Every tiny detail of the frame is optimized for aerodynamic flow angles, tested in elaborate simulations, and refined in the wind tunnel.
We are excited to continue riding with CEEPO in 2025 and to conquer the cycling world together!
