New life for Shimano Neutral Service bikes

Shipments to UCI WCC Satellites

Cyclists training in South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, and South Korea are benefitting from bikes recently shipped across the world thanks to a partnership between Shimano, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and the UCI World Cycling Centre (WCC).

Shimano, a long-standing Partner of the UCI, is renewing its fleet of Shimano Neutral Service bikes used to help out riders with mechanical problems at races. But there is no question of these bikes, still in excellent condition, being left to rust. The Japanese company carried out a full service on 19 bikes which it delivered to the UCI WCC headquarters in Aigle, Switzerland, along with 23 pairs of wheels. The UCI WCC then shipped them to three of its Continental Development Satellites: in Paarl (South Africa), Couva (Trinidad and Tobago), and Yeongju (South Korea).

This shipment of bikes is in addition to the donations of equipment made by Shimano every year as part of its commitment to the UCI’s Solidarity Programme that provides aid directly to National Federations.

The UCI WCC has a worldwide network of nine Continental Development Satellites plus a Regional Development Satellite, all of which work closely with the UCI WCC – the UCI’s training and education centre – to develop cycling at continental and regional level. Part of their work involves hosting athletes, mechanics and coaches from developing cycling nations for training camps and courses.

The Shimano Neutral Service Bikes are being used by men and women training at the UCI WCC Continental Development Satellites within this framework.

Shimano Neutral Service Manager Europe Konstanze Haue said: “We are delighted the UCI WCC has found a valuable destination for our Neutral Service bikes. Supporting the athletes with equipment during their rides is a meaningful step for us as we can contribute to the development of cycling in the different countries.”

General Director of the UCI WCC Continental Development Satellite in South Korea Edward Sung Woong Park described the joy of Women Junior riders using the recently-arrived bikes: “In their countries, they usually use very old-fashioned bikes with obsolete components,” he said. “When they receive a Shimano bike to use during their training camp, they cannot hide their happiness and satisfaction. These bikes not only make them smile, they can also help improve their performances.”

Director of the UCI WCC Continental Development Satellite in South Africa Jean-Pierre Van Zyl said: “We are thrilled to receive the Shimano Neutral Service bikes, which will play a pivotal role in our training programmes at the UCI WCC Continental Development Satellite in Paarl. These bikes will not only enhance our athletes' performance but also increase visibility for African cycling talent as they prepare for competitions. This generous donation significantly elevates our mission to develop cycling across the continent and supports National Federations nurture future champions.”

Find out more about the second life for Shimano Neutral Service bikes in this video: