NOVATO, Calif. (BRAIN) — Retired pro Jens Voigt will hist his own Gran Fondo event in Marin County in October this year.

The Jensie Gran Fondo of Marin will start at the Stafford Lakes Bike Park on Saturday Oct. 10. It will include ride options of 45, 70 and 100 miles.

"Marin County was chosen because it ticks all the boxes; it's big, it's beautiful and it has all the facilities we need to make a day at my Gran Fondo a really fun day out," said Voigt. "Think Marin's best and most scenic roads and climbs, the best Marin local food and the best beer at the end, my favorite part."

The local favorite Farm Shop of Larkspur Landing will be providing a mid-route meal as well as a gourmet, post-ride lunch at Stafford Lake. Equator Coffees & Teas and Honeymoon Ice Cream have also teamed up to bring cyclists the sweet affogato. Another local favorite, Lagunitas Brewing Company, will provide beverages.

"We're going to try to make the ride with me as interactive as possible," Voigt said. "I want to ride and talk to as many people as I can on the day. And going by how many of you riders turn up at these events — that could be a lot of people. I also want to try to share some of the best experiences I've had from my pro racing career around the world to this event – I can't share the details yet, but all I know is that it's going to be great fun."

Event proceeds will benefit The Marin County Bicycle Coalition, whose work in the county provides safer cycling routes and more bike access, on and off road. MCBC will also provide volunteer staff throughout the event.

To register or learn more about the ride, visit thejensiegranfondo.com, Facebook (The Jensie Gran Fondo) or Twitter (@JensieGranFondo)

BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — CatEye America has promoted Bob Daniels to executive vice president and JJ Rudman to national sales manager. Both will take on their new roles on Sept. 1.

""Bob has proven himself a leader time and time again and will be an invaluable asset to help grow and evolve our position in the US Market," said Jayson Goh, the president of CatEye America.

"We're thrilled to have JJ take on the additional responsibilities of IBD support," said Daniels. "His unparalleled relationship building, understanding of market trends and deep product knowledge has been directly responsible for a significant increase in key account sales and profitability.""

The IBD is crucial to CatEye America's long-term strategy and will receive as much support as we can provide," said Rudman. "This runs the gamut from strong margins and industry leading product to extensive investment in MAP protection. CatEye products have a rich history at the IBD and I want the retailer to know we fully support them in-store and online." 

MARINA, Calif. (BRAIN) — Light & Motion is launching an IBD sales contest on Aug. 1 that will award the winner a trip to the lighting company's hometown of Monterey, Calif., during next year's Sea Otter Classic.

The contest will run through Nov. 30 and is open to bike shop managers and staff.

"We love interacting with our dealers and getting them excited about selling our products. As a U.S. manufacturer, it is important that dealers know about our story and what makes our products different so that the staff can relay that message to consumers. The sales contest is a great way for us to educate and motivate the staff and help spread the word about Light & Motion," said Kevin Mitchell, Light & Motion's bike sales manager.

This year, participating bike dealers and shop employees can log into a real-time online dashboard to view how they are doing in the contest within their shop, in addition to other shops nationwide.

The trip to Monterey includes a chance to attend the Sea Otter and tour the L&M factory, where winners can build their own lights. The prize will be awarded from a drawing of all individual first-place shop winners.

Other prizes include:

• 1st place shop winners receive an Urban 850 Trail.
• 2nd place shop winners receive an Urban 650.
• Wild Card prize of a Solite 250EX. There will be four Wild Card prizes awarded to each region: West Coast, Midwest, South and East Coast.

The contest sign-up window is now through Sept. 18. For more information on registering, contact Mitchell at km@lightandmotion.com.

SINGAPORE (BRAIN) — RedWhite Apparel, a Singapore cycling clothing brand that specializes in gear for ultra-long distance rides, has appointed new distributors in South Korea and Japan. 

The brand's new South Korean distributor is CobbleSports who will be running online sales for South Korea as well as handling distribution to independent retailers within the country. CobbleSports will also be echoing RedWhite's marketing activity (translating it into Korean).

Japanese retail and wholesale distribution has been taken up by Funks Trading Inc. A note on other markets :

RedWhite, which has its clothing made in Italy, has also expanded its network of retailers in Thailand to five stores with several more in the pipeline.

"Thailand is a market that surprised us with its strong cycling culture and increasing demand for quality bikewear," said Yuvaraman Viswanathan, the brand's founder.

The brand's bibshorts also are available in the U.K. through the boutique retailer Always Riding Ltd.

Viswanathan noted that he is aware of three finishers of the recent Paris-Brest-Paris, a 1,200 kilometer event, who rode in RedWhite bibs. "This is something we are truly proud of," he said.

Related: Startup Singapore clothing brand targets US IBD market.

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany (BRAIN) — Lazer has launched its first enduro-style helmet, the The Lazer Revolution.

The brand says the Revolution offers "Cross-country performance, downhill protection."

The 340 gram helmet feature ample ventilation with 23 vents, easy fit adjustment, a full adjustable visor that allows goggle parking and removable and interchangeable ear pads. 

The Revolution also features the SMS (Safety Mounting System) for cameras and other accessories. The Revolution still passes all safety certifications when these items are attached and in use. Lazer claims it is the only helmet brand to offer a helmet that meets safety standards with a mounted camera or accessory.

The Revolution is available in three sizes and is certified CE-CPSC-AS. It will be available in early 2016.

Lazer also said it would introduce a full-face Revolution next spring.

BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — RockyMounts' new upright bike mount, the TomaHawk can accommodate everything from 20-inch kids bikes to fat bikes with 5-inch wide tires.  The rack mounts to all styles of crossbars (round, square, aero, and factory).

Like its predecessor the BrassKnuckles, TomaHawk comes with a low profile, fuel-efficient tray. A pivoting arm allows for easy and efficient driver-side or passenger-side installation, saving retailers and customers time and money.

“We believe the TomaHawk could become the best selling upright mount on the market,” said RockyMounts' Bruno Maier. “The product’s versatility, quality, and value will help expand distribution and introduce new customers to the RockyMounts brand. It brings the quality and security of the BrassKnuckles to a new price-point.”

The TomaHawk comes with the newly designed “Eze-Loader” wheel straps. The design keeps the wheel strap out of the way while loading the bike. The pivoting arm assembly is integrated into the mounting head to provide a low profile appearance and increased fuel efficiency. The handle includes a non-pinching trigger and RockyMounts’ “Positive Ratcheting Engagement,” which allows the wheel-hook to move in finer increments resulting in a more securely attached bike. The handle also includes the RockyMounts’ “Secure Locking System.” 

The TomaHawk will retail for $159.95 and be available for shipment and purchase in November.

MIAMI (BRAIN) — Miracle Point Agency has announced the Gran Fondo Tour Cuba will be taking place in Havana on Oct. 23-25. The event will include a criterium and a gran fondo, with U.S. support from Sunlite and Origin8.

Alex Gutierrez, a former pro cyclist and purchasing manager at the Miami-based distributor J&B, will be joining Miracle Point Agency on the excursion.

The gran fondo ride is a 60-mile, police-escorted ride from Malecon to the Port of Mariel through Havana. The Malecon (officially titled "Avenida de Maceo") is a broad promenade, roadway and seawall which stretches for 5 miles along the coast of Havana next to the Caribbean. It is an iconic hub for Cuban lifestyle and culture.

A variety of travel options are being offered.

"The executive staff from Miracle Point have visited Cuba on numerous occasions and recently checked road conditions, security and lodging options. They have also worked with all necessary official government officials to ensure a well-supported, fully certified event," the company said.

More information at miraclepointagency.com/gran-fondo-tour-cuba.

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany (BRAIN) — Next year's Eurobike show will add a second public day and the event's outdoor demo will continue throughout the show.

Next year's event will be held Wednesday, Aug. 31 through Sunday, Sept. 4, 2016. Wednesday to Friday is reserved for trade visitors while the weekend will be dedicated to consumers.

"We've initiated these changes in concept as a way to help further stimulate worldwide enthusiasm for two-wheeled mobility. We are pleased that numerous influential partners are already firmly convinced that this is a step in the right direction. Of course, all the Eurobike participants are fully aware that this also presents new challenges that will need to be overcome," said Klaus Wellmann, the CEO of the Messe Friedrichshafen, where the event is held.

This year's show, which closed Saturday, attracted 45,870 trade visitors, slightly down from the 2014 total of 46,300. Another 20,730 consumers attended on Saturday, down from 21,100 last year.

In addition 1,766 journalists from 39 countries attended. The exhibitor count was 1,350.

"The response this year was very good. Our customers are pleased with the excellent discussions and the good business – with the best possible weather and flanked by the trade show flair at Lake Constance that is unique in the world," said Wellmann.

According to a survey of trade visitors, 70 percent of guests rated the economic situation of the bicycle industry as growing and 20 percent as steady.

BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — SmartEtailing has hired Dorothy Nichols as brand & supplier relations director in the company's Boulder office.

Beginning next month, Nichols takes the helm as SmartEtailing's primary point person with specialty brands and distributors. Nichols has worked for Todson, Shebeest, and most recently Accell NA.

"I have always been a supporter of SmartEtailing and how they assist the entire specialty industry," said Nichols. "This new role allows me to work with all industry suppliers and brands to ensure that they are getting the most from all of SmartEtailing's services."

Nichols is also actively involved in bicycle advocacy and is a proponent of women's initiatives and of empowering women leaders in the specialty industry.

"Prior to starting SmartEtailing, Dorothy and I worked together at Catalyst Communication in Boulder," said Mark Graff, co-founder of SmartEtailing. "We've remained friends over the years and I've always thought that there would someday be an opportunity for us to again be on the same team. I'm very excited that time is now."

LONGMONT, Colo. (BRAIN) — Matt Moore, QBP's general counsel, who was injured in a car-bike collision in March, will fire the starter's pistol for this year's industry race at CrossVegas.

Moore had participated in every edition of the Wheelers & Dealers race since it was added to the program in 2008, said CrossVegas promoter Brook Watts.

"Since he can't race it I thought he should be present and fire the starting pistol — well actually he'll push a remote switch that turns the start lights red to green but that's beside the point," Watts said.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (BRAIN) — USA Triathlon will welcome physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, race directors and coaches to the Medical Multisport Conference, scheduled for Nov. 5-7 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

The conference will feature a number of expert panels and breakout sessions, focusing on topics such as injury prevention, bike fit solutions, paratriathlon development and more. Ironman physician Dr. Bob Laird, who has been in charge of the medical support at Ironman World Championship events since 1981, will serve as the keynote speaker on Friday morning.

Presenters include:

• Chad Asplund, M.D.
• Paul Berlin, MS, NRP, IRONMAN Medical Tent Director
• Todd Carver, MS, Chief Fit and Education Officer of Retül
• Gino Cinco, PT, Cert. ART, Function Smart Physical Therapy, San Diego, Calif.
• Jason J. Diehl, M.D., Primary Care Sports Medicine at MAX Sports Medicine, OhioHealth Sports Medicine Center, Columbus, Ohio
• Maggie Fournier, D.P.M., Gundersen Health Systems, La Crosse, Wisc.
• Shana Harrington, P.T., Ph.D., SCS, MTC, USA Head of Domestic Classification
• Robert Laird, M.D., F.A.A.P., Medical Director; IRONMAN World Championship
• John M. Martinez, M.D., Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician, Kaiser Permanente, San Diego, Calif.
• Thomas K. Miller, M.D., Orthopedic Surgery, Virginia Tech Carilion Clinic, Roanoke, Va.; Physician Director, IRONMAN World Championship and Past Medical Director, USA Triathlon
• Troy Smurawa, M.D., Pediatric Sports Medicine Physician, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron, Ohio
• Randy Wilber, Ph.D., Sport Physiologist, U.S. Olympic Training Center, Colorado Springs, Colo.

"We are continuing the conference in year two to encourage medical professionals to expand their medical multisport education, working at multisport events and growing awareness about injury prevention," said Meg Weagley, USA Triathlon Multisport Education Manager. "We are excited to offer new topics in the second year and showcase some of USA Triathlon's partners and constituents that correlate with the medical professional community."

Early-bird registration rates are available now until Sept. 15. Three Retül quick fits will be raffled off to attendees who register by Sept. 30. Attendees who have already registered are eligible.

More information at usatriathlon.org/medicalmultisportconference.

SAN JOSE, Calif. (BRAIN) — Ira Becker, who until recently was the president of Consumer Review — the publisher of MTBR.com and RoadBikeReview.com, has joined BicycleBlueBike.com as its president.

Additionally, three former executives with Kelley Blue Book have joined Bicycle Blue Book's advisory board, the company announced.

"Ira joins the company at a truly exciting time in our history," said Jeff Farrell, co-founder of BicycleBlueBook.com. "We've already established a leadership position in the marketplace to help buyers and sellers of used bikes ensure that a mutually fair deal is transacted. Looking forward, Ira will be a key player as we implement forward-looking strategies to help us continue to grow our audience, which has already doubled year-over-year to over a half million visits a month."

John Morrison, the former CFO of Kelley Blue Book, and Justin Yaros and Vince Nelson, each former executive vice presidents at Kelley Blue Book, are all joining the bike company's advisory board.

"We're excited to provide BicycleBlueBook.com guidance in establishing predictable and fair market pricing to the millions of potential used bicycle buyers and sellers," said Morrison. "At Kelley Blue Book we developed one of the most trusted brands in the country, and now look forward to assisting BicycleBlueBook.com achieve similar success."

Bicycle Blue Book provides research tools and pricing for tens of thousands of bicycles going back over 20 years at bicyclebluebook.com.

HAYWARD, Calif. (BRAIN) — Bianchi USA has hired Monique Pua Mata as its factory rep for the SoCal/Central Coast region. Mata is well known as a professional mountain biker who also participates in road and triathlon.

"Bianchi has been growing and its great to be able to increase our dealer and consumer support in Southern California by bringing on a full-time factory rep," said Bianchi's VP of sales and marketing, Jim Stevenson. "To find someone with her background is a real unique opportunity for us. I can see her taking on a number of roles, including helping support our women's programs like the Colavita/Bianchi Pro Team and of course on the mountain bike side as well."

Mata said, "I am honored and thrilled to have been given the opportunity to continue my career in the cycling industry with the Bianchi family, one of the oldest and most revered bicycle companies in the world. The bicycle has been my passion for as long as I can remember and to be able to take everything that I have achieved, experienced and learned in this industry and use it in this next step in my career is amazing. I am looking forward to this new journey!"

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, Germany (BRAIN) — The latest update to the Bkool trainer includes the conversion to the ANT+ FE-C protocol. The use of ANT+ allows the trainer to be used with other indoor riding simulators, including Elite, Kinomap, Pefrpro, Maximum Trainer, Trainer Road, Veloreality and Zwift. Users can convert their Bkool trainer to ANT+ FE-C easily from the Bkool simulator.

The Bkool simulator now supports connections to Bluetooth Smart and ANT+ devices, which can be used to provide a full analysis of a workout. This feature can be used with Bluetooth devices from Polar, Wahoo Fitness and other brands whose products are compatible with the Bluetooth Smart standard.

"With this update to the Bkool simulator, we have added performance information on a wide range of traditional trainers in order to offer users the best possible simulator experience. Connecting these trainers to a power, speed, cadence or heart rate sensor will allow the simulator to show information on the activity being performed," the company said.

RALEIGH, N.C. (BRAIN) — Brave Products LLC, makers of Brave Soldier Performance Skincare products, has hired CFEprPlus to provide public relations, marketing and business consulting services. It's the second time the two companies have worked together.

"We've been enjoying CFE's press releases, and thought they were bringing a unique, intriguing perspective to the brands that are featured," said Glenn Veasey, president of Brave Products. "So I contacted Steve (Boehmke, CFE's president), and we've begun working on ways to 'Elevate the Brand' of Brave Soldier within the cycling market again."

Boehmke said, "I thought it was interesting for the new company of a former client to contact me ... Back in the day, Shimano hired me twice, RockShox hired me twice, and now Brave Soldier has followed suit! We are stoked, because they make the best skincare lineup on the market. From when you get up, shower and shave, to when you take a digger and need to tend to your road-rash, Brave brings the best products on the planet to active people."

Boehmke noted that Brave Soldier won't have a stand-alone booth at Interbike this year, but that several of the brand's distributors will be there, including QBP, BTI, Cyclone, and Liberty Mountain. Veasey will be available to meet retailers at each of the distributors' booths.

BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — Jerry Stritzke, the president and CEO of REI, will be the featured speaker at an event organized by the Outdoor Industries Women's Coalition at Interbike.

OIWC's Pledge Celebration and Leadership Awards will be held Sept. 16 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Mandalay Bay, South Pacific F Ballroom in Las Vegas.

"We are honored to provide a forum for Jerry to share with other industry leaders and influencers why The REI Foundation, in honor of its founder Mary Anderson, invested $1.5 million earlier this year in OIWC's efforts to build a more inclusive industry where great ideas and innovation are born from a diversity of experiences," said Deanne Buck, executive director of OIWC. "We are also looking forward to celebrating those leaders who have already signed the OIWC CEO Pledge in the cycling industry and welcome those who want to learn more."

In addition to Stritzke's remarks, the event will also include the presentation of the 2015 bicycling industry Pioneering Woman and First Ascent awards. Previous winners of these awards include Sally McCoy, president and CEO of CamelBak; Jenn Dice, vice president of Business Network at PeopleForBikes; and Sally Jewell, U.S. Secretary of the Interior.

More information at oiwc.org.

RENO, Nev. (BRAIN) — SwiftCarbon bikes are now being sold consumer direct in the U.S. via the company's website, swiftcarbonusa.com.

The company was founded by a South African, former pro cyclist Mark Blewett, and based in China.

"SwiftCarbon's commitment to producing the most balanced bikes across categories has helped it gain a passionate following internationally," said Robb Wolf, Swift USA's national sales and marketing manager. "We've seen them excel in the pro peloton, compete at the highest levels of triathlon and reach the Cape Epic podium."

The Ultravox Ti, the bike used by the UCI Pro Continental team Drapac Cycling, is among the offerings. Other frames available on the site include the Neurogen time trial bike and the Evil Twin 29er. 

"We're launching direct sales this fall to gauge consumer demand, while also exploring opportunities to partner with key retailers in establishing immersive brand experiences across the U.S. There is great value in each of these channels; we're in the unique position of being empowered to start with today's consumer, understand how they want to make their high-quality bike purchases, and position ourselves to connect with them on their terms," said Wolf.

SwiftCarbon is preparing to launch a U.S.-based ambassador program comprised of influential cyclists and mountain athletes locales such as Aspen, Colo., and Lake Tahoe, Calif.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. (BRAIN) — Several of the stars of the 1979 film "Breaking Away" will reunite at the Interbike Awards Gala during the expo this month.

Members set to appear include the film's main character, Dennis Christopher (Dave Stoller), Jackie Earle Haley (Moocher), Paul Dooley (Ray Stoller) and Dennis Quaid (Mike). 

The gala is planned for Thursday, Sept. 17 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.

"Jay Wolff of Helen's Cycles in Santa Monica, Calif., was the master mind behind the reunion concept," said Pat Hus, the vice president of Interbike. "Jay was instrumental in helping to put these guys together at Interbike to celebrate a film that brought our sport to the big screen in the late 70's. Interbike attendees and exhibitors are going to want to be part of this special night."

"Breaking Away" won several awards in 1980, including a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture and an Oscar for Best Writing/Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen. Christopher won the Young Artist Award for Best Juvenile Actor in a Motion Picture, and Dooley won a National Board of Review, USA Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Several cycling industry celebrities and athletes are also confirmed as presenters for the IB awards gala, including Cadel Evans, John Eustice, Greg Herbold and Gary Fisher.

The Interbike Awards will honor achievements from the 2015 product year as well as the 2014 and 2015 race season. For Interbike attendees, tickets for the Gala can be purchased during the Interbike registration process. Special advanced ticket pricing for the event is $100 per person, and includes the evening reception, beer and wine, a sit-down dinner along with the awards show entertainment; $10 from every ticket sold will be donated to World Bicycle Relief.

For Interbike exhibitors, single tickets and number of private tables are available and can be purchased directly through Interbike. Contact Sarah Timleck, Interbike's marketing director, at (949) 226-5799 or sarah.timleck@emeraldexpo.com for more information.

A limited number of sponsorship opportunities are available and can be purchased directly through Interbike. Contact Andria Klinger, Interbike's sales director, at (949) 226-5745 or andria.klinger@emeraldexpo.com for more information. 

FOREST CITY, Iowa (BRAIN) — Two iconic brands — Winnebego and Schwinn — are teaming up for a 10-week program called “Get Out and Go” to promote cycling and the fun of recreational vehicle travel.

Schwinn, owned by Dorel, will give away a bicycle each week for 10 weeks and will provide 10 bikes, the Trailway model, for use at Winnebego’s visitor center for owners to ride while their RV is in for service or if they are visiting the company. 

The bikes also would allow RV owners to get out and explore the Forest City community and bike trails. Forest City is Winnebego’s manufacturing center.

"We are excited to partner with Schwinn on this opportunity," said Chad Reece, Winnebego’s marketing director. "We are able to cross promote our products and introduce our motor-homes to a huge group of outdoor enthusiasts. Bicycling and RVing are a perfect combination and that's why we are so excited about this promotion." 

Milissa Rick, Schwinn’s senior director of marketing, said, “We are thrilled to be partnering with Winnebago.The Winnebago brand encourages families to explore the outdoors and at Schwinn we do the same but on two wheels."