Mobility: Atlantic France bicycle companies unite around the Cygo network

More than thirty companies of Atlantic France have already shown an interest in joining the network Cygo, which stands for “Cycle Grand Ouest”. The aim of this initiative, which is led by companies such as Arcade Cycles and Velco, is to rethink the industrial relocation of the sector, particularly in the production of hydraulic brakes and suspension forks. 

French consumers invested heavily in bicycles in 2021. According to a study carried out by the business cluster Union Sport & Cycle, nearly 2.8 million bicycles were sold last year! Given the success of this sector, several manufacturers in the Atlantic France region have decided to unite in order to end their dependence on certain components which are manufactured exclusively abroad. 

Relocating industrial production

As France aims to become a leading nation in the bicycle industry worldwide, several industrial players from Atlantic France decided to take action by creating the network Cygo at the beginning of July 2022. 

The initiative is led by Frédéric Lucas, Deputy General Manager of Arcade Cycles, David Jamin, General Manager of Manufacture Française du Cycle, Pierre Regnier, CEO of Velco and Arnaud Chereau, CEO and cofounder of Wello, which was recently set up in Le Mans.

The objective is to federate the economic actors of Western France to develop a cycle sector that creates added value and jobs. The relocation of the production of hydraulic brakes and suspension forks is high on Cygo’s list of priorities. 

An initiative supported by 3 regions

This network is supported politically and financially by the Brittany, Centre-Val de Loire and Atlantic France regions. It also intends to develop special relationships with schools through apprenticeships to develop the entire training of the sector. 

Cygo is also supported by the Atlantic France Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and operationally backed by ID4car. The competitiveness cluster will enable bicycle companies to benefit from the expertise of Cygo and build synergies with other mobility sectors.