LONGMONT, CO (BRAIN) — Reigning cyclocross world champion Sven Nys of Belgium will compete in this fall's ClifBar CrossVegas race, which is scheduled for September 18 in Las Vegas, on the evening of the first day of the Interbike Expo.

Nys captured his second World Championship title earlier this year in Louisville, Kentucky. 

"I look forward to racing CrossVegas, it's great to start the season in front of the big crowds in Las Vegas.  I saw at the World Championships that American spectators are so friendly.  It gives me even more pleasure to bring the rainbow jersey to CrossVegas," Nys said. 

Nys will be joined at CrossVegas by his Crelan-Euphony teammate Sven Vanthourenhout.   

Fans will have an opportunity to meet Sven at a pre-race party on September 17 at Las Vegas Cyclery. This will be the seventh annual CrossVegas. 

BLOOMINGTON, MN (BRAIN) — QBP will begin stocking the full line of Subrosa BMX bikes and parts beginning next month, the company announced Monday.

The line includes complete bikes, frames, forks, handlebars, components and apparel.

Subrosa was founded in 2006, and is based in Longwood, Florida.

“Our dealers have been asking for Subrosa for years,” said Bernie Doll, brand manager of QBMX, QBP's BMX division. “The brand’s attention to quality and detail has won a lot of trust and loyalty among riders. So this was the logical next step in our partnership. There will be a lot of excitement when these bikes hit the shops this summer. We’re thrilled to be a part of it.”

Dealers interested in pre-booking this product can visit ww.qbp.com, go to "Specials and Programs" and click the QBMX logo. They can also reach the QBMX customer service staff at (877) 244-2269.

MILL VALLEY, CA (BRAIN) — WTB recently launched a new website that’s more user-friendly and works better on mobile devices. The new site also has an improved e-commerce platform and will feature a “Buy Local Now” button next to each product so that shoppers can see which stores in their vicinity have the item in stock. 

“Visitors are now able to easily access what had been previously imbedded deep within several levels of classification,” said Justin Kirkwood, WTB’s creative director. “Now if someone is looking for a 650b tire, it is easily accessible from a drop-down menu.”

WTB has plans to build upon the new format for future products, making integration quick and easy as new product is released. The company says the new site works as well on the sales floor of a local shop as on an end-consumer’s laptop.  

NEWBURY PARK, CA (BRAIN) — Giant sent a note to its retailers last week saying they can continue selling Maestro-equipped mountain bikes without fear of an ongoing legal dispute over alleged patent infringement.  

DW-Link, owned by Dave Weagle, had filed a patent infringement breach of contract suit against Giant in February that arose out of Weagle doing suspension development work for the company.  

“We don’t comment on pending litigation. Our intention with the email is to reassure Giant retailers that they can certainly continue selling with complete assurance bicycles equipped with Giant’s Maestro Suspension Technology,” said Patrick VanHorn, Giant USA’s corporate communications manager. 

The suit in part claims that Giant’s Maestro designs infringe upon DW-Link patents 7,048,292, 7,128,329, and 7,828,314. The suit also claims that Giant breached a 2010 joint development agreement to develop a new suspension platform called G+ Technology. 

Weagle also filed suit against Trek Bicycle in November last year. The suit claims Trek infringes on two patents that are the foundation of DW-Link's Split-Pivot designs. The suit claims all Trek bikes using Active Braking Pivot technology infringe its patents.

MISSOULA, MT (BRAIN) — The Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) has approved new sections of the U.S. Bicycle Route System in Minnesota, Missouri and Kentucky. With these additions, the USBRS now totals 5,616 miles in 10 states. 

“The partnership between state departments of transportation, Adventure Cycling, local transportation agencies, cycling groups and the Federal Highway Administration has produced significant results over the past several years,” said Bud Wright, executive director of AASHTO. “The routes are part of an emerging bike route network that is connecting communities of all types, all across the country.”

Among the sections approved Monday: 

• The middle segment of U.S. Bike Route 45 in Minnesota, which in total spans 700 miles. This section passes through the Twin Cities metro area and the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area—a 72-mile-long park managed by the National Park Service. The northern segment was designated in October 2012 and the southern segment was designated in May 2012. 
• In Missouri, the newly approved U.S. Bicycle Route 76, which begins at the Mississippi River in Chester, Illinois, and extends some 348.5 miles before exiting the state 28 miles west of Golden City, passing the Ozark Mountains. The Missouri Department of Transportation will begin installing USBR 76 signs along the route this summer. 
• U.S. Bike Route 76 in Kentucky was originally designated in 1982 but had not been documented electronically at AASHTO and was in need of updates. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet did a thorough review and submitted realignments for the route, which spans 563.7 miles. 

The USBRS is a developing network of bicycle routes that connect city, regional and statewide cycling routes. More than 40 states are currently working to designate routes. When complete, the USBRS will encompass more than 50,000 miles of routes. 

Adventure Cycling Association has provided staff support to USBRS since 2005, including research support, meeting coordination and technical guidance for states implementing routes. 

ST. CHARLES, IL (BRAIN) — Sigma's IICON is a cable that turns the company's battery packs — intended to power bike lights — into portable USB charging stations that can be used to power any electronic gadget, including cell phones, cameras or GPS units. 

The IICON attaches to the IION/IION XL battery pack and a red LED indicator light shows that the device is being charged.  The IICON is completely watertight for use even in damp conditions.

MSRP: $19.99. Also available as a set with Sigma's Karma EVO or PowerLED EVO lights.   

More information: www.sigmasport.com

BROOKLYN, NY (BRAIN) — Champion System has hired Kelly Reed as its new public relations and social media director.

Reed joins the custom technical apparel company from travel company Asia Transpacific Journeys and brings 12 years of experience in marketing, public relations and social media.

“We are thrilled to have Kelly join our team,” said Charlie Issendorf, vice president of Champion System. “Between her wealth of professional and industry experience, she brings an energy and passion for our products. We look forward to working with her and her media engagement with our company, our teams and athletes and our events.”

Reed will oversee social media, public relations and other marketing initiatives.

HARTFORD, CT (BRAIN) — The state of Connecticut is considering a $3 million loan to help relocate Cannondale Sports Unlimited — the new name for what was formerly known as Dorel's Recreation/Leisure division.

Gov. Dannel Malloy announced Tuesday that the State Bond Commission will consider the loan request to assist in the company's move from from Bethel to Wilton, Connecticut. Malloy noted that Cannondale's relocation will include 75 new jobs in the state.

“Cannondale is an iconic brand, and their decision to continue to grow in our state is positive news for our economy,” said Malloy.  

Rather than a press release from the publicly traded company, the name change was announced in a statement from the governor's office. 

According to the governor's press release: 

Cannondale Sports Unlimited is a segment of Dorel Industries, Inc., with three operating divisions: Cycling Sports Group, Pacific Cycle Group and the Apparel Footwear Group. Dorel’s products include Safety 1st, Quinny, Cosco, Maxi-Cosi and Bébé Confort in Juvenile, as well as the Cannondale Sports Unlimited brands.  Dorel has annual sales of over $2.5 billion and employs close to 5,400 people at facilities in twenty-four countries worldwide. With a comprehensive range of brands including Cannondale, Schwinn, GT, Mongoose, SUGOI, Charge Bikes, IronHorse, InSTEP, KidTrax, Cannondale Sports and the GURU Experience, Cannondale Sports Unlimited is motivated by our passion for creating inspired experiences for a fun, healthy world.   

“Cannondale Sports Unlimited has always revolved around great people who are passionate about building our brands to create a fun, healthy world,” said Bob Baird, CEO and president of Cannondale Sports Unlimited.  “After considering several locations in Connecticut and New York, we are thrilled to be able to expand our operations in Wilton, the original home of our Cannondale brand, to continue our legacy of growth and innovation.”  

According to the governor's office, the Department of Economic and Community Development will provide the company with a 10-year loan of $3 million at a rate of 2 percent. $2 million of the loan is forgivable if it hires 75 employees within the next four years. The money will used for office fit-out, the purchase of office equipment, IT equipment and job training needs. 

The loan still requires Bond Commission approval.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (BRAIN) — The League of American Bicyclists has announced 17 new Bicycle Friendly Communities (BFC), bringing the total to 259 in 47 states. In addition, Fort Collins, Colorado, moved from a gold to platinum-level community, joining Portland, Oregon, Boulder, Colorado, and Davis, California, as the country’s most cycling-friendly cities. 

"A bicycle culture is key in defining the fabric of what makes Fort Collins a great place to live, work and play," said Fort Collins Mayor Karen Weitkunat. "We know it is a primary means of transportation for many, a major form of recreation for most, and a significant factor in attracting new businesses and new residents. Our city works alongside many community organizations to build a seamless bikeway network and ensure a safe cycling community."

The BFC program helps communities improve conditions for cycling by offering incentives and hands-on assistance. Cities and states that are working to become more bike-friendly are ranked annually and receive national recognition. 

With a ridership that has tripled over the past decade, Cambridge, Massachusetts, became a new gold-level BFC, and despite its long, cold winters, Anchorage, Alaska, moved from bronze to silver. 

“Anchorage's eight long winter months come with darkness, frozen roads and snow but our bicyclists have adapted by gearing up with cold weather gear, lights, fat tires and studs,” said Lori Schanche, Municipality of Anchorage Non-Motorized Transportation Coordinator. “When summer arrives we all enjoy almost 24 hours of daylight to be out cycling our miles of beautiful trails and bike lanes."

To see the full list of Bicycle Friendly Communities, including the additional 18 cities that received honorable mentions, go to www.bikeleague.org/bfa.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA (BRAIN) — Interbike will host the final race of the 2013 USA CRITS criterium series during the trade expo in Las Vegas this fall. The USA CRITS Finals will be held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center on the evening of Thursday, September 19. Interbike attendees will be able to walk directly off the show floor onto the race event area. The races will be held under the lights from 6-10 pm.

“Having this event in Interbike’s Las Vegas backyard is going to be a fantastic addition to the show,” said Justin Gottlieb, Interbike’s communications and PR director. “Attendees will have access to a new outdoor area just beyond the show floor that will be active Wednesday through Friday – and I think we’ll have a huge crowd to witness this awesome spectator-friendly race.” 

Now in its seventh year, the USA CRITS Championship Series is a 10-race series that started in Tucson, Arizona, earlier this year. The men’s and women’s champion will be crowned following the men’s pro race in Las Vegas.

“We are excited to bring our uniquely popular brand of American speed- inspired cycling to the worlds’ foremost bicycle gathering — Interbike,” said Gene Dixon, co-founder of USA CRITS. “We can’t think of a better way to end the 2013 series than with the leaders of the industry in the electric atmosphere of Las Vegas.”

HIGHLANDS RANCH, CO (BRAIN) — Donnelly Sports, the licensee and manufacturer of Clement tires worldwide, has appointed ProNet Cycling to handle North American distribution and client service functions effective June 1.

"Keeping pace with the growth of the resurgent Clement brand is daunting, especially in the time-sensitive cyclocross and gravel tire seasons," said Donn Kellogg, GM of Donnelly Sports. "ProNet has decades of expertise in distribution and brand building and they'll help us increase fill rates and shorten time-to-market during the upcoming cyclocross season and beyond."

ProNet, located in Bremerton, Washington, is run by bike industry veteran Mike Kalmbach. "We're very pleased to launch this new relationship with Clement," said Kalmbach. "Together we'll focus on delivering Clement's top line tires to the best bike shops in North America and I look forward to our success together.”

Clement tires are also available from QBP and dealer direct via sales agents in select territories.

Relaunched by Donnelly Sports in 2010, the historic Clement brand offers tires for the road, cyclocross and gravel road/adventure riding and racing.

More information: www.clementcycling.com.

FLAGSTAFF, AZ (BRAIN) — Cosmic Cycles, a well-known retailer in Flagstaff, has recently reopened in a new location with a new owner. Scott Heinsuis, a longtime employee of the shop, purchased the business last year after it closed for the winter and moved it into its current location before opening for the season May 1. 

The 2,000-square-foot store is located at 612 North Humphrey Street. While the shop may have a new look and a fresh start, Heinsuis says that he is dedicated to continuing the shop’s legacy of taking great care of its customers and providing excellent repair service — all while keeping things lively, interesting and fun. Cosmic Cycles opened in 1972 and is one of northern Arizona’s oldest bike shops.

Cosmic Cycles carries Rocky Mountain as its primary brand, but Heinsuis has plans to pursue other lines. The shop currently specializes in mountain bike sales and rentals, as it is located in the heart of a strong and growing off-road cycling community with easy access to miles of single track.

While the store is largely a one-person operation, Heinsuis has recently hired a mechanic to help him keep up with repairs. 

Coming into his eighth season at Cosmic, Heinsuis says he has developed a bond with the store. “It’s special. I feel a real connection to this place,” he said. 

His large collection of handmade tools — precursors to modern shop tools — and other vintage cycling items represents the shop’s long history with mountain biking and the evolution of the sport. Heinsuis hopes to integrate the collection into the store’s décor. 

Cosmic Cycles operates seasonally from May 1 to Oct. 1, and will rent skis and snowboards during the winter months. 

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (BRAIN) — Chrome Industries and public relations and marketing firm Echos Communications are partnering with members of the urban cycling community to launch the Urban Cycling Hall of Fame (UCHOF).

The inaugural 2012 UCHOF Selection Committee includes urban riding pioneers Kevin “Squid” Bloger, John “Prolly” Watson, Christina Peck, Austin Horse, Nelson Vails and Andy White.

The organization’s mission in the first year is to collect the artifacts and stories of urban cyclists to create collections that will tell the story of urban cycling and educate the public on the culture.

As part of its launch, UCHOF is issuing an open call to the public to nominate cyclists and other figures who have contributed to the urban riding movement. Categories include Riders, Organizers and Makers.

At this year’s Interbike, Sept. 18-20, UCHOF will present an exhibit and will also host its inaugural Urban Cycling Awards Ceremony off-site at the Double Down Saloon in Las Vegas.

To propose a nominee or donate memorabilia, visit www.uchof.com.

MANCHESTER, NH (BRAIN) — The Bike Cooperative is working with Channel IQ to offer its supplier partners discounts on MAP monitoring and enforcement, dealer verification, and detection of gray market and counterfeit goods and unauthorized dealers. 

Channel IQ currently works with companies including SRAM and Park Tool to monitor online pricing using real-time data. The Chicago, Illinois, company provides brand protection services to manufacturers, distributors and retailers. 

As part of the deal with the Bike Co-op, Channel IQ will also help brands create and implement a system to make identifying authorized online retailers quick and easy. They will also provide tools to educate consumers about the value of supporting authorized retailers. 

“We found Channel IQ to be the best solution provider in helping our brand partners support their valued IBDs,” said Nat McAllister, the Bike Co-op’s director of supplier relations. “Through their assistance in MAP development, implementation and constant monitoring, Channel IQ will also help our retailers maintain healthy margins.”

ST. PAUL, MN (BRAIN) — Park Tool announced that it won’t be offering its Tech Summit training seminars for professional mechanics in 2014. The company plans to take a year to evaluate the program and return in 2015.

The Tech Summit is a collaboration among eight companies to offer product-specific training sessions for professional bike mechanics. Bill Armas, director of marketing for Park Tool, said that the decision to take some time to assess and redesign the program was a collective one. “As a group, we have decided to take a year off and spend some time thinking about how to make this experience even better for those who attend,” Armas said.

The 2013 Tech Summits were well attended, so attendance wasn’t a factor in the decision. Armas, however, acknowledged that many shops rely on the seminars to keep mechanics up to speed on how to service new products. 

“We know there will be some disappointment regarding this decision. But in the long term, we believe that a hiatus will serve the best interests of everyone involved,” he said. 

HAVERHILL, MA (BRAIN) — Mavic is introducing a shallower version of the CXR 80 T aero wheelset that it introduced last year. The new CXR 60 T (tubular) and CXR 60 C (clincher) aero wheels are sold as sets with tires and "blade" fairings that smooth the transition from rim to tire for improved aerodynamics.

Mavic claims the wheels outperform competitors in its wind tunnel testing for drag and stability.   

The tubular version is all carbon. The clincher version has an aluminum tire bed and brake track. Both versions have 60 millimeter deep rims and 16 front/20 rear bladed butted stainless spokes. The tubular wheels weigh 1645 grams per pair without tires or 2175 grams with tires. The clincher version weighs 1825 grams per pair without tires or 2515 grams with tires. 

The new wheels will be available in September, with pricing anticipated between $2,700 and $2,800.