GIRONA, Spain (BRAIN) — Ghost-Bikes, a German brand owned by Accell Group, is sponsoring three races in different disciplines at this year's Sea Otter Europe. The company is title sponsor of the event's MTB Marathon, International Cycling Tour and Enduro race in Riudarenes.

The races are in Girona June 2-4. Registration opens April 17.

"The entry of this new strategic partner underpins the versatility of Sea Otter Europe's sporting proposal, which over the course of three days will feature events in all cycling categories," event organizers said. 

More information: seaottereurope.com.

MINNEAPOLIS (BRAIN) — Dero has moved to a new larger facilty with improved staff amenities.

The new building, just north of downtown Minneapolis, includes a fitness room, showers and locker room, and more room for bike parking and a bicycle maintenance area. Dero now offers staff access to a new e-bike fleet for bicycle commuting and continues its $6 per day incentive when employees bike, walk, use transit, or carpool to work, using its Dero ZAP technology to automatically track these trips.

"We're excited that with this new building, we're able to grow and continue to up our game in manufacturing to better serve our customers," said Andy Lageson, general manager of Dero. "We're proud to continue to support our employees in decreasing single occupancy vehicle use by encouraging other commuter options, such as biking, with our new amenities."

Dero is sharing this space with Everlast Climbing, also a PlayCore company. The shared lobby will feature a 28-foot Everlast climbing wall.

The new building is at 42 Northern Stacks Dr., Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN 55421.

MINNEAPOLIS (BRAIN) — Wolf Tooth Components is manufacturing a new under-bar remote, the Digit, for 9point8 DropLoc seatposts like the 9point8 Fall Line. It is available now from 9point8. 

The 9point8 Digit has a low-friction ball bearing and breakaway axle. The Digit is compatible with integrated Wolf Tooth mounts for Shimano I-Spec and SRAM MatchMaker brake levers.

The lever geometry and leverage ratios were designed specifically for DropLoc seatposts. It is made exclusively for 9point8 by Wolf Tooth. The Digit is available as a standalone product for $69.95. The Digit is also available as an upgrade to any new 9point8 DropLoc seatpost for an additional $18. The Digit is not available through Wolf Tooth Components.

HELENA, Mont. (BRAIN) — A Montana House committee has removed an amendment that would have charged out of state bicycle riders a $25 fee — a proposal that might have been an April Fools joke.

The Montana House Natural Resources Committee amended a bill on Friday to remove the provision, which was inserted by Senate president Scott Sales on March 31. It would have imposed a fee for "nonresident invasive species bicycle decal."

Although Sales later said the proposal was at least partly a joke, it drew a response from state and national bike advocates, including PeopleForBikes, who rallied advocates to send 577 letters to the legislature to protest the provision.

In a statement Monday, PeopleForBikes noted that Sales' proposal was only one of several anti-bike measures proposed in the Montana Legislature this year. Other bills would have prohibited bikes from riding on roads that don't have shoulders and required all bikes on roads to be equipped with a fluorescent orange flag. Both those bills died quickly.

Sales' $25 non-resident cyclist amendment was inserted into a bill related to invasive aquatic species.

Advocates said the provision would have jeoardized Montana's bicycle tourism economy and they showed up in force at a hearing on April 5 to object to the fee.

"This outcome could not have been achieved without thoughtful and well-articulated comments from bike riders to their elected officials," PeopleForBikes said.

Sales told Montana Public Radio the proposed fee was "in jest to some degree" and said he didn't lobby for it. Nor did he withdraw it.

NAMPA, Idaho (BRAIN) — Deity has hired industry veteran Silas Hesterberg as its new global distribution and OE manager.

"2017 is a pivotal transitional year for the brand as we have unveiled a completely new product line, site, and logo, and the addition of Silas Hesterberg is the final piece of the puzzle. Our focus is to bring Deity into the international landscape in a big way and Silas will be the driving force in that movement," said Eric Davies, Deity's owner.

"I am beyond excited to join the team at Deity and see the brand grow on the global stage. With class-leading product innovation and a cult following, I'm looking forward to helping riders around the world see what sets Deity apart from the rest," Hesterberg said.

Deitywill be actively seeking distribution in the United Kingdom, Germany, and throughout Europe, the company said. Distributors and potential OE partners should contact Hesterberg for further information at silas@deitycomponents.com.

AMSTERDAM (BRAIN) — Accell Group announced Tuesday that it had received a takeover offer from Pon Holdings for 845 million euros ($895 million).

Accell owns Raleigh, Diamondback, Haibike, Ghost, Winora, Lapierre, Batavus, Sparta, Koga and other brands. Pon owns Cervélo, Santa Cruz, Focus and Gazelle, the largest Dutch bike brand.

"After a detailed assessment of the strategy and performance of Accell Group, Pon Holdings has concluded there is an excellent strategic fit between the bike activities of both
companies with benefits for all stakeholders. The combination results in the world's leading global bicycle company," Pon said in a statement.

Accell said it was studying Pon's proposal to pay 32.72 euro per share, 27 percent more than its closing price of 26.53 euros on Monday.

PORTLAND, Ore. (BRAIN) — Showers Pass new The Odyssey Jacket is made for urban cycling, with a lightweight soft shell material with a reflective map design.

The Odyssey has the same MapReflect material as the brand's Atlas Jacket. The reflective fabric illuminates in headlights so the wearer can be seen from all directions. The unique MapReflect fabric design consists of 11 cities known for cycling (Portland, New York, Washington DC, Paris, Barcelona, Amsterdam, London, Newcastle, Berlin, Sydney and Taipei).

Because of the map design and the way the patterns are cut during production, no two jackets are exactly alike. The Odyssey is lined with box fleece. 

The jacket also features zippered hand warmer pockets with micro fleece, an oversized hood that fits over most helmets and an audio port in the inside chest pocket.

It's available in men's sizes SM-XXL and women's sizes SM-XXL. MSRP is $179. 

SAN MATEO, Calif. (BRAIN) — GoPro has introduced its first-ever trade-up program, offering U.S. consumers as much as $100 off a new HERO5 camera.

For a limited time, GoPro owners can receive $100 off a new HERO5 Black or $50 off a HERO5 Session when they trade in any previous-generation GoPro HERO camera. The HERO5 Black and HERO5 Session retail for $399.99 and $299.99, respectively.

Customers can go to GoPro's trade-up website, select the new camera of their choice, and follow the instructions to return their previous-generation Hero. Upon receiving the returned camera, GoPro will process the discount and ship customers their new HERO5. Returned cameras will be recycled.

"Our HERO5 cameras are the best we've ever made. And when paired with GoPro's new software, they unlock the simplest, most powerful mobile storytelling solution yet. Our trade-up program allows us to introduce existing customers to the modern GoPro experience and prepare our community for the new software enhancements ahead," said CJ Prober, GoPro's chief operating officer.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (BRAIN) — G-Form, known for its mountain bike protective gear, is getting into the baseball market with a line of protective gear and has announced a three-year partnership with the Boston Red Sox.

G-Form protection was made available to Red Sox players and trainers during spring training and will also be made available throughout the 2017 regular season. The G-Form baseball products provided include the Pro Extended Elbow, Pro Wrist Guard, Pro Sliding Shorts, Pro Sternum Shirt, and Pro Sternum Shirt with Back. 

"G-Form provides the ultimate impact protection gear across multiple sport categories and the Red Sox will assist us in having a major influence in the game of baseball at all levels," said Bob Burbank, G-Form's CEO. "The Red Sox are fully committed to keeping their players safe and in top condition and we couldn't be more excited to be partners."

Red Sox executive vice president Troup Parkinson said, "We are excited to be working with G-Form and welcome them to the Red Sox family in 2017. Player safety is important to us and we are pleased to be partners with a cutting-edge, local, New England company to help us with those efforts."

BATH, U.K. (BRAIN) — Shift Active Media, which operates the Global Cycling Network and Global Mountain Bike Network YouTube channels, has hired Will Fripp as a brand director.

Shift Active Media is part of the Play Sports Group, which recently received an investment from Discovery Communications, which owns Eurosport. The company said several new positions have been created since the investment. 

Fripp will be joining Shift at the end of April. He has experience in the cycling industry at both Madison and Specialized. As a senior member of the team at Shift, he will work closely with a number of high-profile manufacturers, brands and distributors advising, developing and executing their international communications strategies.

Fripp said, "Working with truly market-leading brands is an exciting challenge. I look forward to joining the rapidly growing team at Shift in such an exciting phase of their evolution."

Peter Stothard, the managing director at Shift, said: "I'm delighted that Will is joining the business; he brings a wealth of marketing and industry knowledge that will be incredibly valuable to both Shift and our clients."

VENICE, Calif. (BRAIN) — Cycling computer startup OMATA has hired Ezra Shaffer as its head of marketing and commerce. The hire comes as the company prepares to release its Kickstarter-funded analog GPS speedometer, the OMATA One, this summer. 

"This is so exciting for OMATA. We have a world-class product team, designers and amazing manufacturing partners, and now we have Ezra, who brings world-class commercial experience and enthusiasm," said Rhys Newman, OMATA's co-founder and CEO.

Shaffer has worked on marketing strategies and campaigns for such companies as Giro, DC Shoes and Honda.

"After one ride with a prototype of the OMATA One, I knew this was something special," Shaffer said. "The product is a refreshing departure from an industry segment that seems to be competing more on how many features they can stuff onto a single device, regardless of whether those features are useful during the ride. The OMATA One provides what we feel most cyclists need during the ride, plus it genuinely looks like it belongs on your bike."

The company plans to sell the OMATA One (MSRP: $550) primarily consumer direct through its website, www.omata.com, but is also building a roster of retail partners in key markets. Interested dealers can email Shaffer at ezra@omata.com.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (BRAIN) — Todson is now distributing products from Flaér, a company that makes an automatic on-bike chain luber system.

Flaér's Revo Via is a small motion-detecting pump and reservoir that dispenses micro-amounts of a lubricant onto the chain for the duration of a ride. The company said the Revo Via will provide riders with up a 12-watt advantage over traditional chain lubricants. The Revo Via will be used by the Orica-Scott pro cycling team for the 2017 UCI World Tour.

Flaér's sales director, Nick Muddle, said, "I first met Todson at Sea Otter last year and we immediately hit it off. There are clear synergies in our forward-thinking approaches and brand building strategies. We are delighted to be partnered with such an experienced and reputable distributor and are looking forward to growing the Flaér brand together in the U.S."

In addition to the Revo Via, Todson will be distributing Flaér's complete range of bike care products including Guard, a protectant that is applied pre-ride to shield the entire bike from dirt and makes post-ride cleaning easy; and Flaér's Revive, a high-performance cleaner for removing stubborn dirt.

Todon's director of sales and marketing, Adam Donahue, said, "Flaér's innovative new product range aligns perfectly with our strategy to provide the U.S. market with progressive accessories that enhance the cycling experience. Technology is revolutionizing the way we evaluate our fitness and performance. The market is full of products that make riders more aerodynamic or save weight, but this is the first system to continually optimize the most critical performance system on a bicycle: the drive train. We are very excited to bring this product to the U.S. market."

The Revo Via system will retail for $349.99. The Revive and Guard products (750ml) will retail for $14.99.

PORTLAND, Ore. (BRAIN) — Showers Pass has reached a multi-year partnership with the International Mountain Bicycling Association and its Trail Solutions team.

This summer Showers Pass will launch a full line of technical MTB apparel including the IMBA Shorts and IMBA Jacket, with a portion of proceeds from sales of those items benefiting IMBA. The IMBA staff and Trail Solutions teams will be fully outfitted in Showers Pass apparel for the next three years.

"We are thrilled to partner with IMBA, local IMBA chapters and the Trail Solutions team. They share our common core values of trail stewardship and advocacy," said Kyle Ranson, the president of Showers Pass. "Having the opportunity to partner with such a wonderful organization is very exciting, especially since we share a mutual goal of enabling the pursuit of outdoor adventure, this is a seamless collaboration."

Aimee Ross, IMBA's director of business development, said, "The partnership with Showers Pass couldn't have come at a better time for IMBA. Not only do we share many of the same goals, but as organizations we are both evolving into a new generation of mountain biking and mountain bike culture. Our entire team is thrilled to put the Showers Pass gear to the test." 

Showers Pass will debut part of the new summer mountain bike collection at the Sea Otter Classic next week, where the brand will share a booth space with IMBA (booth #239).

BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — According to VeloPress, women are becoming endurance athletes in record numbers.

In the publisher's latest book, author Alicia DiFabio explores the surge of women in sports in her own personal story.

Women Who Tri: A Reluctant Athlete's Journey Into the Heart of America's Newest Obsession, is said to be "an inspiring and informative look at the history, psychology, subculture, and transformative power of triathlons among 'ordinary' women."

Women Who Tri is now available in bookstores, triathlon shops, and online. Read samples and learn more at velopress.com/category/women-who-tri.

The 216-page paperback retails for $18.95.

TAMPA, Fla. (BRAIN) — American Classic is planning a 35th anniversary celebration at next week's Sea Otter Classic, with cake, giveaways, discounts and a display of vintage American Classic parts on Saturday April 22 at 1 p.m. American Classic will be at booth #213 at the Sea Otter expo.

Bill Shook founded the company in 1982.

"I can't believe it's been 35 years! The thought of engineering bike parts as career was always an aspiration. It's been a 'pinch me' moment from the beginning, thanks to a lot of people who have there been in support," Shook said.

"You don't reach the 35 years as an independent brand without the loyalty of core customers and industry friends, and that's why we want to celebrate with everyone at the Sea Otter. This is our chance to say thanks."

Shook started riding at age 14. He became a champion road and track cyclist, earning a place on the U.S. National Team. While racing, he started his design career building his projects in his dad's garage. In 1974, he created and fabricated the first large tube aluminum bicycle in the world and raced it all over the country.

Shook earned a Master's degree in mechanical engineering from Ohio State University and launched American Classic with a lightweight water bottle cage and the brand's iconic seatpost. American Classic now has two facilities including a testing and quality control center, rim factory and wheel building and assembly plant. 

Ellen Kast, American Classic's general manager and co-owner, said the journey's been a labor of love. "Bill's original mission has never changed. He seeks new and innovative ways to improve bicycle technology to make cycling enjoyable for all who want to ride, race and adventure. See you at Sea Otter!"

DAYTON, Ohio (BRAIN) — Industry veteran Bruno Maier, most recently with RockyMounts, has taken a job at Huffy Corporation in Ohio. Maier previously worked for Huffy in the 1990s. 

"We are excited to have Bruno back at Huffy and recognize the rare perspective he has of the bike industry. From his leadership experience at Pacific to the nonprofit side at PeopleForBikes, Bruno understands our industry, its customers and consumers," Huffy CEO Bill Smith said. 

The company said Maier's "responsibilities include leading a range of projects."

Maier said, "Huffy is tremendous company. The brand has endured for 125 years because the company recognized market trends and reacted with the right innovations. That is what excited me right out of college and what brings me back today."

EMMAUS, Pa. (BRAIN) — Rodale Inc. has named Leah Flickinger as editor-in-chief of Bicycling. Flickinger will provide direction for all brand editorial platforms, including print, web and social channels. She will report to Rodale Group's editorial director Bill Strickland, who was previously Bicycling's editor-in-chief.

Flickinger was named interim editor-in-chief last month, having served as the brand's executive editor since 2010. Her work has been recognized with two National Magazine Award nominations, as well as inclusion in The Best American Sports Writing.

"Leah operates with a deep passion and understanding of the cycling community that has been instrumental in our brand evolution over the past few years," said Strickland. "Her strong instincts and editorial background will be vital as we look to reach new audiences, such as the growing demographic of female riders, across innovative platforms and experiences."

Flickinger said, "This is an exciting time for the industry: The population of urban and recreational cyclists is increasing and cities are responding with improved safety measures and protected bike lanes. Cycling in general is becoming more diverse in terms of gender, race, and age. I'm thrilled to lead the Bicycling team as we reflect this growth while continuing to expand the gear and fitness content our existing readers know and love."

Flickinger joined Rodale almost 20 years ago, first working at Rodale Books where she rose to senior editor. From 2007-2010 she served as deputy editor at Women's Health. A long-time cyclist, Flickinger is a graduate of Tufts University and lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and daughter.

DENVER (BRAIN) — With two big mergers announced this week, the ski resort industry will soon be dominated by two huge companies. Many of the resorts involved host summer recreational mountain biking and major events.

Earlier this week, Aspen Skiing Co. announced an alliance with KSL Capital, a Denver private equity firm, to acquire six resorts from Intrawest Resort Holdings. KSL already owned Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows in California, while Aspen Skiing owned four resorts in Colorado. The six Intrawest resorts purchased are Colorado's Winter Park and Steamboat, Vermont's Stratton, Québec's Mont Tremblant, West Virginia's Snowshoe and Blue Mountain in Ontario.

Then on Wednesday the Aspen/KSL alliance bought California's Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain, Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, bringing its resort count to 15.

The Aspen/KSL alliance's only rival now is Vail Resorts, which owns 11 major resorts in British Columbia, California, Colorado, Utah and Vermont, and three urban resorts in the Midwest.

KEMPELE, Finland (BRAIN) — Polar's newest GPS bike computer features advanced power meter compatibilty and power metrics, as well as smart coaching and Strava Live Segments.

The M460 features an black, fiber-like surface texture with improved button grip. 

"Polar's experience working with professional athletes and coaches helps us develop the necessary technology to make Polar M460 a reliable tool for athletes during various stages of their training sessions," said Marco Suvilaakso, chief strategy officer of Polar. "Polar's cycling products have become a staple for devoted cyclists who are passionate about their training and want to reach their goals."

The M460 has a barometer-based inclinometer and compatibility with an extensive list of third party power meters. Its advanced cycling power metrics include Training Peaks' Normalized Power, Intensity Factor and Training Stress Score. It also includes notifications for incoming calls, texts, calendar alerts and social media updates. Additional features include IPX7 rating water resistance, a battery life offering 16 hours of training and front LED light.

When paired with the new Polar H10 heart rate strap, athletes benefit from Polar's industry leading heart rate technology, designed and tested for reliability, as well as the company's proprietary Smart Coaching features via Polar Flow. These features include Fitness Test, which enables athletes to gauge their current fitness levels and see progress along the way, Training Load, which shows how a ride affects an athlete's body, Orthostatic Test, which shows how an athlete's heart rate responds to training and factors such as stress and illness, and Recovery Status, which helps athletes find the perfect balance between training and rest.

"Polar is no novice player in the cycling game, and we prove that with the introduction of Polar M460 to our cycling product portfolio," said Tom Fowler, the president of Polar U.S.A. "Cyclists rely on accurate data to not only track, but improve their performance, and Polar has used its industry leading technology, combined with passion for constantly improving cyclists' performance, to develop an incredibly advanced bike computer. When a cyclist is equipped with data that is not only expansive and in-depth, but accurate, they are then equipped to set and achieve personal goals that encourage peak performance."

It's available this month for $179.90 and includes a two-month Strava Premium membership. Bundled with the H10 it retails for $229.90. 

More information at polar.com.