Our sandman Daan Soete crowned himself Belgian beach race champion last Sunday in Bredene! Ridley Racing Team aims to shine in all off-road disciplines, and when the rider from the Kempen showed interest in this championship, we ensured he had a true beach racer at his disposal. After 57 kilometers of battling the wind, Daan had the strongest final sprint. It’s also the first title for Ridley Racing Team. Daan has always had a special connection with sand throughout his career. Every year, he looks forward to sandy cyclocross races like Koksijde, Lille, and Oostmalle. It’s no coincidence that in early 2018, he stood on the podium of the Belgian Championship in Koksijde, alongside his close friend Wout van Aert and Laurens Sweeck. That was his only podium finish among the pros, but as a junior and under-23 rider, he claimed the tricolor jersey once in each category. After multiple podium finishes at the Belgian Mountain Bike Championship and a silver medal in the Belgian Gravel Championship earlier this year, he set his sights on the Belgian Beach Race Championship. Remarkably, he had never before participated in a race within this discipline. "It should suit me well, especially if there are a few technical zones where you can make a difference," he said last week during course reconnaissance. Thick tires Daan completed his reconnaissance on his brand-new beach racer. When he announced his ambition to compete in the championship and it became clear he had no World Cup cyclocross obligations, we immediately sprang into action. "I was able to assemble my beach racer myself. I communicated my preferences to mechanic Karel Lenaers, and the result was fantastic. The lightweight design is particularly impressive. It takes some getting used to because on a cyclocross bike, you can steer very quickly. On a beach racer – where you ride long straight stretches – it feels a bit stiffer. The focus here is, of course, on aerodynamics, which is why we also use a drop bar instead of a flat handlebar." When choosing tire pressure, Daan relied on his cyclocross experience. "I only put 0.7 bar in them. It does mean you risk hitting the rim on the breakwaters, but luckily, those in Bredene are in good shape." Daan's beach racer uses the frame of the Probe RS, Ridley's hardtail mountain bike. The final piece of the puzzle was executing the right race strategy. Filip Meirhaeghe, himself a former winner of the prestigious beach race in De Panne, advised Daan to stay sheltered and conserve as much energy as possible against the wind. The rider from Grobbendonk followed this advice. He survived the initial selection and saved his final move for the absolute final phase. In doing so, he gained several bike lengths on his last rival, Jasper Dejaegher, and held onto that lead until the finish line. Offroad dominance Ridley Racing Team is, of course, extremely proud of this national title. The team aims to excel in every off-road discipline, and this championship was a great opportunity. This winter, Daan will follow an exciting cyclocross program, and later this year, he will also participate in some top-level gravel races. The tricolor jersey is a wonderful conclusion to 2024 and great motivation heading into 2025! Need more sand?

There is light at the end of the tunnel for Joris Nieuwenhuis. The Dutch champion from Ridley Racing Team was struck by shingles, and his body needed weeks to recover. During his last training week in Spain, he was able to increase the intensity again. “We will monitor my situation weekly, and if things continue to improve, I will celebrate my return at the Dutch Championship,” he said. Nieuwenhuis was struck by the virus just before the cyclocross season. Initially, he hoped to recover in time for the World Cup, but that proved impossible. “At that time, we hadn't fully realized how severe the blow was to my health. I was sicker than expected, and upon my return, my level was just extremely low. In training, we noticed things weren’t improving. In consultation with the team, we then took drastic measures.” No World Cup at the end of November for Nieuwenhuis, but instead an extensive training camp in Spain. He trained in Alicante together with Gijs Leemreize, Floortje Mackaij, Thomas Dekker, Femke Gerritse, and Lorena Wiebes. “My parameters were closely monitored, and little by little, they improved. Before that, I noticed I never recovered from intense efforts. A day after training, I always felt worse, and presumably, the cold also drained me further.” Spanish Sun “Under the Spanish sun, everything went well. Initially, it was more about cycling than actual training. I spent three weeks working on my base fitness, and now I have reached a level I can build on. Last week, Richard Groenendaal decided we could increase the intensity. These tests went well, and my values are improving. Saturday morning, I will head home, and I will do so with a good feeling. I finally feel like a rider again.” This Friday, Nieuwenhuis also took the time to make a preliminary plan for the coming weeks with Groenendaal. “Because everything is progressing well, Richard can now make adjustments more quickly. I hope to defend my title at the Dutch Championship. That remains tentative, but we are hopeful. Of course, I cannot express concrete ambitions for my first races. I don’t know what to expect and will be happy with any small success or step forward I can take.” Team Successes In the meantime, the Dutchman saw his teammates have a great season. “I was incredibly happy with Felipe's performances. He’s having a fantastic season and also took some pressure off me to return. Thanks to him, the team was in the spotlight every weekend. After each impressive performance, I would send him a message. I also have a great relationship with Daan, and we often caught up.” Nieuwenhuis will spend the holidays in his familiar surroundings in his home country. He will sit at the festive table with a small smile: “Things are going in the right direction, and that’s a relief after a difficult period.” Photo: Photo News

Although Daan Soete was born and raised in Grobbendonk, there’s a beach lover hidden within the son of the Kempen region—at least when he can swap the cooler and inflatable boat for a bike. In 2012, he finished 5th at the Cyclocross World Championships for juniors in Koksijde, and six years later, he claimed bronze on the same ground at the Belgian Championships among the pros. That was one of the three disciplines in which Daan has already stood on the Belgian Championship podium. On Sunday, the count could reach four, as he will compete in the Belgian Beach Race Championships in Bredene: “The road racers will also be in good shape, but I’ll give it my all!” Even in the Kempen, there’s plenty of sand to be found, allowing Daan to hone his skills on this terrain. Each year, he looks forward to sandy cyclocross races like Koksijde, Lille, and Oostmalle. It’s no coincidence that it was also in Koksijde that he stood on the Belgian Championship podium in early 2018, alongside close friend Wout van Aert and Laurens Sweeck. That was his only podium among the pros, while as a novice and junior, he claimed the tricolore jersey once in each category. Daan is now much more than just a cyclocross rider. He has already stood on the podium of the Belgian Mountain Bike Championships three times, a discipline in which he was also Belgian champion as a novice. In 2022, Daan crowned himself as the first-ever Belgian champion in mountain bike short track. “He always combined that with cyclocross,” recalls national coach Filip Meirhaeghe. “We traveled together often, and I’m still convinced that the combination is possible.” In recent years, Daan has, of course, discovered a new love: gravel racing. He has grown attached to it and, with his strong engine, has shown a natural talent for it. At the beginning of May, he rode straight to a silver medal in the Belgian Gravel Championships. This way, Daan has already stood on the podium at Belgian Championships in three different disciplines. “I thought I was pretty unique in that,” Daan smiles, “but Filip just told me that besides mountain biking (in two events), he also has medals in cyclocross (as a youth) and even stood on the podium once in the Belgian Madison Championships.” Difference from a Cyclocross Bike It doesn’t make him any less ambitious for Sunday, where he’ll be riding an actual beach racer. “I was able to communicate my preferences directly to Ridley mechanic Karel Lenaers, and I’m very pleased with the result! The lightweight frame is especially impressive. It takes some getting used to because on a cyclocross bike, you can steer very quickly, while on a beach racer – where the focus is on long, straight stretches – the handling feels a bit stiffer. The emphasis here is on aerodynamics, which is why we use a drop bar instead of a flat handlebar.” National coach Filip Meirhaeghe had already guessed that his colleague wouldn’t inflate his tires to even one bar. “0.7 bar,” the rider from Kempen confirms. “That’s very low, but it allows you to glide through the sand effectively. As a cyclocross rider, I’m used to playing with tire pressure. However, it does increase the risk of hitting the rim on breakwaters. Luckily, the ones here aren’t too bad. I’ve already tried a few beaches today, and the breakwaters elsewhere are often worse.” “The course mainly runs along the coastline, but we do occasionally veer into the dunes. Normally, I can handle sand sections quite well. Earlier, I tested one of those sections and managed to ride through it. The question is, of course, what condition these stretches will be in on Sunday. There’s also a group of recreational riders participating, and they might ‘break up’ these sections by running through them. Making a new track costs a lot of energy, so we might have to dismount as well.” A Fun Outing Last year, the riders of The Wolfpack dominated the podium, with Tim Merlier taking the tricolor jersey ahead of outgoing champion Jordi Warlop and Bert Van Lerberghe. With Yves Lampaert, the team has a fourth strong contender, and powerful riders like Tim Declercq and Timothy Dupont are also formidable opponents in this discipline. “It’ll be tough to compete against such a strong team on my own, so I’ll need to use my energy wisely,” Daan acknowledges. “The wind always plays a crucial role. Especially with side winds, you really need to be skilled at riding in echelons.” The Belgian Beach Race Championship is, in any case, a fun outing at the start of a busy holiday season. “I’ll continue racing until the Belgian Championships in Zolder. After that, I’ll take a bit of rest and then prepare for the gravel season. Santa Vall is the first race on the calendar. It was great to compete in some World Cups and achieve some nice results, like my top 10 finishes at Heerderstrand and in the Urban Cross in Kortrijk. However, we all notice how high the level in cyclocross has become. Especially the depth in the subtop is growing, and with so much Belgian talent, it’s challenging to fight for a spot in the selections.” So, onward to the gravel season, but first a day at the Belgian coast. “It’s a beautiful discipline, and I’m glad to be part of it! With the Ridley Racing Team, we really want to establish ourselves as an off-road team, and it’s great to leave our mark here as well.” The race on Sunday starts at 11 a.m., with elite riders covering 60 kilometers (consisting of six laps). “We should finish in just under two hours,” Daan predicts.

Ridley Racing Team has strengthened its lineup with Australian gravel cyclist Nicole Frain. The 32-year-old former Australian road champion will compete in gravel classics in 2025, following a successful season that saw her secure second-place finishes in The Gralloch and Houffa Gravel. Frain aims to take her career to the next level with Ridley Racing Team and develop her versatility further. In mid-October, Ridley Racing Team introduced itself to the press as a squad of four riders (Felipe Orts, Joris Nieuwenhuis, Daan Soete, and Lore Sas). It was immediately evident that the team planned to expand further to achieve its ambitions. Ridley Racing Team seeks to excel across all disciplines, both in men’s and women’s events, making Frain an ideal fit. Frain hails from Tasmania, an island southeast of Australia. She began cycling only in 2018, debuted in Europe three years later at Paris-Roubaix, and spent five years in the professional road peloton. Her most significant victory came in January 2022 when she won the Australian National Championships, outpacing Grace Brown. Frain also competed in the inaugural edition of the revamped Tour de France Femmes. Her curiosity and adventurous spirit led her to gravel racing last season, where she excelled with second-place finishes in the RADL GRVL, The Gralloch, Gravel Grit ’n Grind, and Houffa Gravel. She also claimed victory in the opening stage of the Tour de Charente-Maritime Féminin, demonstrating her ability to balance multiple disciplines effectively. "The combination of Nicole’s talent and our staff’s expertise could lead to an incredible journey. We will support her across disciplines, hoping that transitioning between terrains helps her grow as a complete rider." - Rik Verbrugghe (General Manager) Right Team at the Right Time Frain’s arrival aligns with Ridley Racing Team’s vision. “The team’s approach to cycling and its objectives align closely with mine,” said Frain. “That’s why I was thrilled when they approached me. I love the philosophy of combining all disciplines—it’s one of the first teams to take such a comprehensive approach to off-road racing.” “I only truly discovered gravel racing in 2024, and since then, I’ve wanted to progress further,” Frain continued. “The interest from RRT came at the perfect moment. I’m excited about debuting in milestone events like The Traka, Unbound, and The Rift, which promises a unique experience at a special location. After finishing as a runner-up so often last year, I hope to take another step forward.” “I also want to develop as a rider. Cyclocross is entirely new for me, and it’s a very challenging discipline to master. There’s a lot of work ahead, but I’m surrounded by the best people and am eager to give it my all!” Although Frain’s background is in road cycling, her focus in 2025 will be off-road. “The expertise of the team’s sporting staff will be invaluable as I refine my gravel and road racing techniques. I also plan to compete in some UCI road races to maintain my condition and speed.” Frain will begin her season in Australia with the national championships and RADL GRVL. The rest of her schedule will be determined in collaboration with the team, with plans to debut in The Traka and Unbound. The season will culminate with the Gravel World Championships in Nice. "Nicole has already shown she has the physical ability to deliver top performances. We will fully support her gravel racing journey, honing her technical skills. Cyclocross is in our team’s DNA, and we are ready to help her in this discipline as well. It’s exciting to have a top-tier female rider on the team. Moreover, Nicole’s experience will make her an excellent mentor for Lore." - Richard Groenendaal (Sporting Director)

Felipe Orts achieved a new milestone this past weekend! For the first time in his career, he stood on the podium of a World Cup race. In Dublin, he was part of a lead group of six riders going into the final lap. In a nail-biting finale, he pushed through to secure third place. Felipe now ranks sixth in the overall standings. No time for Guinness at the Temple Bar, as the cyclocross riders competed outside the city center. Thanks to the sun and wind, the course remained relatively dry and fast. Felipe started from the front row and was among the first riders entering the field. Although briefly delayed by a crash at the barriers, he quickly returned to the front of the race. Six riders stood out in Ireland: Michael Vanthourenhout, Eli Iserbyt, Joran Wyseure, Pim Ronhaar, Toon Aerts, and Felipe. Several riders attempted attacks, but ultimately, the group of six entered the final lap together. Felipe gambled by switching to Rhino tires (with a coarse tread), allowing him to climb into the top three. Michael Vanthourenhout rewarded himself with a stunning victory, with Toon Aerts sprinting past Felipe for second place. Our Spanish team leader now moves up to sixth in the World Cup standings. This podium finish marks another achieved goal in what has already been a highly successful season. Daan Soete also lined up in Dublin. Starting from further back, he narrowly missed connecting with the leading group. He ultimately finished 18th, earning 44 UCI points—a significant boost for him. Previously at just 14 points due to bad luck, this result represents a major leap in his UCI ranking. “I didn’t have my best legs of the past weeks. On a course that suits me quite well, I found that a bit disappointing. Now, 10 days of endurance training in Sardinia will do me good after what has been an intense period,” he reflected. Photos: Gaëtan Flamme

A new cyclocross weekend, another podium for Felipe! Our Spanish powerhouse finished third last Sunday in the Flandriencross in Hamme after a highly aggressive race. He also showcased his attacking mindset the day before in Merksplas. “I’ll keep striving to win a big race,” he said afterwards. Felipe is in excellent form. Following his silver medal in Pontevedra, victory in Rucphen, and second place in the Jaarmarktcross in Niel, he took on two consecutive races this weekend. In the Aardbeiencross in Merksplas, he was part of the leading group, but breaking away proved impossible. In the final moments, he got boxed in, resulting in an eighth-place finish. The next day in Hamme, Felipe demonstrated his top form again. Near the Mirabrug, he broke away with three other riders after a few laps. With about three laps to go, he tried to go solo but wasn’t successful. Nonetheless, in the final lap, he managed to climb from fifth place to secure a podium spot. Other riders Daan Soete also competed twice this past weekend. He finished 19th in Merksplas and 20th in Hamme. Lore Sas placed 31st in Merksplas on Saturday. Afterward, she mentioned she isn’t feeling in the right rhythm at the moment. She’ll be working to regain her form in the coming weeks. Despite making great strides in recent weeks, Joris Nieuwenhuis will need a little more time before returning to competition. After a more intensive training period, it became clear that his body isn’t ready yet. We’re fully committed to supporting Joris in his recovery and won’t rush the process.

Our Spanish sensation, Felipe Orts, is in incredible form! After winning a silver medal at the European Cyclo-cross Championship in Pontevedra, he returned to Belgium over the weekend. On Saturday, he won the International Cyclo-Cross Rucphen after a long solo ride. On Monday, he added a second place at the Jaarmarktcross in Niel, the third race in the Superprestige series. Felipe is captivating both on and off the bike. For Felipe, his podium finish at the European Championship was the greatest achievement of his career. The 29-year-old cyclo-cross rider is in peak form, and he started in Rucphen with high ambitions. He set out for a long solo ride. In the final stretch, Ryan Kamp closed in from behind, but the Spanish champion managed to keep the Dutch rider at bay and celebrated his victory. Three Belgians, Jens Adams, Niels Vandeputte, and Lander Loockx, rounded out the top five, while Daan Soete finished in 14th place. Jaarmarktcross Both Orts and Soete skipped the Rapencross in Lokeren to focus on the Superprestige race in Niel. Last year, Felipe placed 3rd here and enjoys the mud at this "Pearl of the Rupel." Laurens Sweeck went on the offensive early in the race. Felipe spent much of the race in the wake of Eli Iserbyt and Niels Vandeputte, conserving some energy. In the final lap, our powerhouse moved up to second place. He closed in on the leader, getting within a few seconds, but the win was out of reach. Felipe was content with second place, though. He even gave his supporters a high-five in the final straight, as he’s drawing more and more encouragement with each performance. Daan finished 16th in Niel, just missing out on Superprestige points. We’re still awaiting the debut of Dutch champion Joris Nieuwenhuis, who is working hard to recover from shingles and is aiming to be ready for the World Cup. Thankfully, Felipe is already putting us on the cyclo-cross map with his outstanding performances! Photo: Photo News

Ridley Racing Team has appointed Rik Verbrugghe as its General Manager. In this role, Verbrugghe will take on the team’s overall leadership, a position that had been temporarily filled by our CEO, Jochim Aerts. With his extensive experience as a cyclist, sports director, commentator, national cycling coach, and sporting manager, Verbrugghe is the ideal candidate for this position. Exactly one month ago, our new off-road team was officially launched at a press conference held at Bike Valley in Beringen. The new team immediately hit the ground running, securing a silver medal last weekend at the European Cyclo-cross Championship in Pontevedra with Spanish rider Felipe Orts. Dutch champion Joris Nieuwenhuis is currently recovering from shingles. The team also includes Daan Soete and Lore Sas, both of whom have already achieved several top-10 results. In his new role, Verbrugghe will lead the team. Richard Groenendaal will serve as Sports Director, while Bob De Cnodder will take on the role of Team Manager. Currently, the Ridley Racing Team primarily identifies as a cyclo-cross team. In 2025, there are plans to expand the gravel team, along with ongoing collaboration in mountain biking through the KMC Ridley MTB Racing Team. Uno-X Mobility Under the motto WE RIDE OUTSIDE, the Ridley Racing Team is not only bridging the gap between different off-road disciplines but also hinting at connections with road cycling. A cross-over with Uno-X Mobility (which will partner with us starting in the 2025 season) seems a natural possibility, and it will be the new General Manager’s task to manage and develop these connections. Additionally, Verbrugghe will work on strengthening the relationship between the youth team ACROG-Tormans and the Ridley Racing Team. Under the chairmanship of Jef Robert, the Balens youth team has maintained an excellent relationship with us for many years. About Rik Verbrugghe Rik Verbrugghe etched his name in cycling history in 2001 with a win at La Flèche Wallonne, the fastest time trial ever in the Giro d’Italia, and a memorable stage victory in the Tour de France. At the end of 2008, he retired from racing and began his career as a sports director with teams such as Deceuninck-Quick Step, BMC, IAM, and Bahrain-Merida. In November 2018, he was appointed as national coach by the Belgian Cycling Federation, a role he held until the end of 2020. In recent years, he has served as the sports manager at Israel-Premier Tech. He has also demonstrated his communication skills as a co-commentator with RTBF. Jochim Aerts (CEO, Ridley): "I am extremely pleased that we were able to convince Rik to join our project. Over the past few weeks, we have had numerous discussions about the future of cycling, and it became clear that we share the same vision. By bringing together various parties from our networks, we are creating tremendous added value for everyone." Rik Verbrugghe: "At the Ridley Racing Team press conference, I was impressed by the team’s clear and ambitious vision for the future. With this new step in my career, I’m committing to a project in which I wholeheartedly believe. I am convinced that there is still much to achieve within the off-road world, and I am grateful to Jochim for this unique opportunity. WE RIDE OUTSIDE!” Daan Soete (Rider, Ridley Racing Team): "Rik Verbrugghe is a big name in cycling. When I was young, I saw him shining on television as a rider, and later he became a respected figure in the peloton. I am confident that I can learn from his years of top-level experience across different areas. The fact that someone like Rik has chosen our team shows the strong belief in our sporting project. The future looks promising!" Photos: Photo News

Last Sunday, Felipe Orts won silver at the European Cyclocross Championships. In Pontevedra, he had to concede only in the final lap to Thibau Nys after an intense duel. Afterwards, he dedicated his medal to the victims of the floods on Spain's east coast. This achievement marks the first medal in a major championship for the Ridley Racing Team. Our Spanish flagbearer had set the European Championships as a major goal. For the first time, this championship was held on the Iberian Peninsula, and Felipe wanted to shine in front of his home crowd. Although Pontevedra is located in Galicia, far from his hometown of Alicante on the opposite side of the country, it wasn't quite a home race. Currently, the weather phenomenon 'DANA' is causing catastrophic conditions in his home region. Felipe made sure to express his support for the many victims afterward. Attentive Race During the race, an alert Felipe never allowed himself to be caught off guard. Alongside Thibau Nys, Eli Iserbyt, and Lars van der Haar, he managed to break away, and after the Belgian champion’s bike change, he rode off at the barriers with Nys Junior. In the final lap, Felipe had no answer to Nys' last attack and finished contentedly in second place. On Saturday, Felipe had already secured third place with Spain in the Mixed Relay. It turned out to be a remarkably successful weekend for Felipe, even though he didn't forget the victims of DANA. "This is for all Valencians; I realize that for many, this might be the only smile in these tough times." Schedule After a few hectic weeks — including the launch of the Ridley Racing Team — Felipe will take a short breather. The plan is to reach peak form again during the World Cup and ahead of the World Championships. With this silver medal, the season is already unforgettable, and as a team, we are extremely proud of Felipe's phenomenal performance. Vamos! Photos: Photo News

Ridley Racing Team can be admired this winter on our X-Night RS. It is now the fifth generation of our most prestigious cyclo-cross bike on which numerous (world) champions have already ridden. The X-Night RS fully focuses on aerodynamics and the specific needs of the professional cyclo-cross rider. Ridley and cyclocross have been a dream marriage since 2002. With the creation of Ridley Racing Team, we also have our own cyclocross team for the first time since autumn 2024. They make their appearance in the field on the X-Night RS, which was launched last winter and can now be admired in competition for the first time. In the past, Mario De Clercq, Bart Wellens and Zdenek Stybar also rode in the rainbow jersey on a predecessor of this bike. Aerodynamics A cyclocross bike should be agile and easy on the shoulder, which goes hand in hand with a specially adapted geometry. We always look for opportunities to improve and also listened to feedback from the riders of Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal, who have been riding bikes from the Belgian bike maker since its inception. Anno 2024, ‘marginal gains’ in line with the latest trends are crucial when building a bike. Competition riders and ambitious amateurs naturally want first and foremost to cleave through the wind as fast as possible. Even in cyclo-cross, aerodynamics are still gaining importance. Average speeds are ever higher and races are more often a fly meeting. The X-Night RS therefore has aerodynamic tube shapes based on those of the successful Falcn RS. In addition, the D-shaped seatpost also stands out. When there is a fall, which is not rare in cyclo-cross, the saddle will always remain in the correct position. This seatpost is also more aerodynamic than a round model. Geometry As usual on a cyclo-cross bike, the bottom bracket sits higher than on a gravel bike or road bike with the aim of riding agile and smoothly through the mud and taking short turns without touching the ground with the pedals. The steep angle of the head tube and shorter wheelbase allow the cyclo-cross rider to fully exploit his or her technique. Ridley designs a modified chainstay with extra space around the bottom bracket and between the rear wheel and the chainstay fork to allow for easy mud clearance. Thanks to these technical aspects, you can race for an hour, full on acceleration, braking, turning, turning and jumping. Everything you need to excel in cyclocross. The X-Night RS has a special top tube for the running lanes in the field. This is typical of a true cross bike, as having a straight shape and a flattened bottom makes it easier to carry the bike on the shoulder. The upper headset bearing, in turn, creates more space for cable routing, which improves maintenance. The stiffness created makes you fly razor-sharp through corners. Based on feedback from the cyclocross riders of Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal, Ridley brings special mounting points to attach bottle cages to the bike. This comes in handy during hot weather or long endurance training sessions, as hydration remains an important part of sports. Details With a few details, Ridley makes a difference with this X-Night RS. For example, the front derailleur clamp is easily removed when using a 1x drivetrain. A custom Wolf Tooth and Ridley chain guide can be installed in that case. On top of that, the bike has a universal derailleur hanger (UDH), so you will be able to find a different hanger anytime and anywhere because of the new universal standard. In mountain biking, UDH has been very common for some time, there are no reasons not to bring this technology to cyclo-cross. When opting for a 2x drive, shifting will always be electronic. When opting for a 1x drive, mechanical shifting is possible. In summary, the new X-Night RS is a worthy successor in the X-Night dynasty and already raises the bar for a cross bike!

The European Cyclo-cross Championships will take place in Pontevedra, Spain, during the first weekend of November. For our rider, Felipe Orts, this is a significant event. It’s the first time Spain has been honored to host this championship, and both Ridley Racing Team and Felipe himself are hoping it will be a special day. In the past, Spain occasionally hosted the World Championship, but after 1990 (Getxo), major championships stayed away from the Iberian Peninsula. Thanks to Felipe's remarkable performances, there has been renewed enthusiasm for cyclo-cross in Spain in recent years. The new World Cup race in Benidorm was a great success, with thousands of spectators and exciting races. The European Championship is a great continuation of this success story. Galicia Pontevedra is a city in Galicia, located in the northwest of Spain. The city has been positioning itself as a host for international sporting events, initially focusing on triathlons, and now also cyclo-cross. By adding a European Championship for masters on Friday to the program, they hope to attract even more people. Besides sports, visitors can also enjoy the city's famous cuisine (with octopus, empanadas, Galician beef, and seafood as highlights) and its culture in the historic center of the city. Felipe usually performs well at the European Championship. In 2019, he finished 9th in Silvelle, Italy, and a year later, he improved by two spots in ’s-Hertogenbosch. The European Championship on the Col du Vam (17th) was a bit disappointing, but in Namur (6th) and Pontchâteau (9th), he showed that he is among the best riders of his generation. "It's not really a home race," laughs our Spanish star when asked about the European Championship. "It’s obviously in my home country, but I’m from Villajoyosa in Alicante, which is almost on the opposite side." In winter, Felipe resides in Vorselaar, but he will skip the Koppenberg cross race to prepare optimally for the European Championship. This year, Felipe has not had much luck in cyclo-cross races. However, during the races, he has shown that his form is definitely good. The Spanish champion hopes that, in front of his home crowd, his fortunes will turn around. Later in the winter, he also aims for a podium spot in the so-called "TV races." His fan club and many supporters, just like Ridley Racing Team in Beringen, will be there to cheer him on!

Ridley’s legacy in cyclocross and offroad racing spans decades, with over 20 titles to our name since the early 2000s. In 2024, we’re launching a new era with the creation of the Ridley Racing Team, our very first independently managed cyclocross team. Expanding beyond cyclocross, the team will also compete in the world’s premier gravel races, building on Ridley’s rich history of success. Ridley’s journey in cyclocross began shortly after the turn of the century, with our sponsorship of the Palmans-Collstrop team. Mario De Clercq became our first World Champion, followed by an incredible run with the Fidea Cycling Team, where Bart Wellens, Erwin Vervecken, and Zdenek Stybar each captured rainbow jerseys. More recently, riders like Niels Albert, Wout van Aert, Tom Pidcock, Laurens Sweeck, Eli Iserbyt, and Michael Vanthourenhout have clinched prestigious titles on Ridley bikes. While Ridley has long served as the bike sponsor for these champions, 2024 marks a pivotal shift. The Ridley Racing Team will be the first cyclocross team fully managed by Ridley, providing us with the ideal testing ground to innovate and perfect our bikes, including the X-Night RS, our latest flagship model. The Team The cyclocross collective will temporarily consist of four riders: Joris Nieuwenhuis (Netherlands), the current Dutch champion and vice world champion, Felipe Orts (Spain), the current six-time Spanish champion, Daan Soete (Belgium), and Lore Sas (Belgium). Joris, Felipe, and Daan will also compete in the gravel circuit, while Lore will remain connected to the Acrog-Tormans development team on the road. Expert Management To lead this ambitious new chapter, we’ve enlisted the expertise of Bob De Cnodder as Team Manager and Richard Groenendaal as Sports Director. Both bring deep experience and knowledge of cyclocross. De Cnodder will handle the practical support for our riders, while former World Champion Groenendaal will guide them during races and training. Gravel Racing The world of off-road cycling has evolved rapidly with the rise of gravel racing, and Ridley has been at the forefront of this exciting discipline. Our cyclocross heritage gave us a competitive edge in designing high-performance gravel bikes, and we capitalized on that with the Kanzo Fast, the world’s first performance gravel bike, followed by the game-changing ASTR RS. We’ve already made our mark in the gravel scene, supporting the Classified Gravel Team, which achieved a 4th place finish at Unbound, courtesy of Piotr Havik. Now, the Ridley Racing Team will compete in the biggest gravel events, from the Traka to Unbound, reaffirming Ridley’s role as an off-road trendsetter. With our athletes constantly pushing the limits, Ridley continues to refine its bikes in this rapidly developing sport. Collaboration with Bart Brentjens’ MTB Team Ridley has been working with former Olympic champion Bart Brentjens’ mountain bike team for the past two years. In 2024, Ridley became the team’s second name sponsor, and the collaboration is set to grow even further. From now on, the KMC Ridley MTB Racing Team will operate under the umbrella of the Ridley Racing Team, signaling our commitment to mountain biking at the highest level. A Vision for the Future The launch of the Ridley Racing Team represents a significant step toward the future of off-road cycling. By creating the first professional gravel team, we once again demonstrate our role as trendsetters in the cycling world. Looking ahead, Ridley will also become a sponsor of Uno-X Mobility in road racing from 2025, in a partnership that will last for the next decade. The Belgian Bike Valley project in Beringen will continue to expand, with Ridley’s own off-road team serving as a clear signal of our ambition to remain at the forefront of the industry. Quote from CEO Jochim Aerts: “Cyclocross has always held a special place in our hearts. As a family business rooted in Belgium, our passion for cycling is intertwined with our heritage. We’ve enjoyed significant successes in the past, and with the Ridley Racing Team, we aim to achieve even greater heights—not only on our bikes but also under our brand. This team represents a pivotal milestone for us, but it is just the beginning. Over the coming years, we will further solidify our legacy in cyclocross and expand our presence in the gravel racing scene.” Joris Nieuwenhuis “Just a guy who rides bikes and enjoys nature” Date of birth: February 11, 1996 (28 years old) Residence: Zelhem (Netherlands) UCI ranking: 2 Favorite cyclocross race: the classics Favorite travel destination: Costa Rica What you need to know: U23 world champion in 2017, elite world vice-champion in 2024, 4 years as a WorldTour rider, 2 Tour de France appearances What you might like to know: Guitar player, bookworm, golf enthusiast (self-admittedly very mediocre), online chess player (also mediocre), birdwatcher, proud beard owner since 2020 (when he couldn’t go to the barber for several months due to the Covid pandemic) Daan Soete “Never lose that bit of craziness!” Date of birth: December 19, 1994 Residence: Grobbendonk UCI ranking: 178 Favorite cyclocross race: Koksijde Favorite travel destination: Kansas (hint) What you need to know: Has been on the podium of the Belgian Championships in three disciplines, member of the Kempen training group with Jan Bakelants and Wout van Aert, back after a winter full of bad luck What you might like to know: Has a fan club in Grobbendonk, single, in love with the sand of Koksijde Felipe Orts Mud devil from sunny Spain Date of birth: April 1, 1995 Residence: La Vila Joiosa UCI ranking: 9 Favorite cyclocross race: Benidorm Favorite travel destination: Belgium What you need to know: 6-time consecutive Spanish champion, silver medalist at the U23 World Championships in 2017 (behind teammate Joris Nieuwenhuis), comes from his own cyclocross team What you might like to know: Stayed for a while with Sven Nys’ sister, now lives with a host family in Betekom, partner of Iris and proud owner of a dog named Bruno Lore Sas Girl power from the Kempen Date of birth: December 14, 2005 Residence: Vosselaar Favorite cyclocross race: Zonhoven Favorite travel destination: France What you need to know: Road racer with Acrog-Tormans, 4th at the Belgian Junior Championships in 2023, winner at Wiekevorst in 2024 What you might like to know: Psychology student at Ghent University, her best friend is a border collie named Léon (always present at the races) X-Night RS 5th generation of our top cyclocross bike Proven legacy: Winner of numerous championship titles Geometry: Optimized for the unique demands of cyclocross racing: Flat top tube for easy shouldering Higher bottom bracket for navigating through mud Extra clearance between the rear wheel and frame for easy mud shedding Race-ready: Used by every rider of the Ridley Racing Team in all cyclocross events ASTR RS The new benchmark for performance gravel riding Ultralight frame: Weighs only 890 grams (size Medium), perfect for steep climbs Tire clearance: Fits 52 mm tires (1x setup) and 47 mm tires (2x setup), ideal for rough terrain and enhanced grip Geometry: Built for stability and speed, featuring a 71.5° head tube angle and a steeper 74° seat tube for improved climbing efficiency and power transfer Race-ready: Developed in collaboration with the Classified Ridley Factory Team. Proven at Unbound Gravel with Piotr Havik’s impressive 4th place finish. Set to be used in future gravel races