Oliver Polenz’s Post

one more. a simple concept. running is ugly but it's the finish line shot that fuels the fire for more. as we roll on we're introducing our first lightweight trainer. a simple shoe. rocket science? no. magic foam? no. running culture? 100%. and while we're on it, we also celebrate the desire for one more lap, one more mile, one more marathon... and as we mature, we improve our preparations. yes we absolutely love SAYSKY's apparel, customized by the atelier. race cap by ourselves (available soon). Maurten is our fav gelly supplier although Stan Van Kemmel swears by bananas. socks of course by Near Earth, sunnies through our korean friends from www.useful-atelier.com and carbo loading: professionally. thanks team Ebony Nieuwenhuijse, Aisha Kuijk, John Prescott, Stan Van Kemmel, jurian elstgeest #runningcommunity #sportsbusiness #sportsindustry #running #sportsbranding #footwearindustry #startup #endurancesport #creators #newbusiness #sustainablebrands #fortheplanet #team #sportsbiz #triathlon #sportsmarketing #sports #runspecialty #laufen #gonerunning #workopportunities #scaleups #retailexperience #retailinnovation #retailbusiness

If you missed our Global Sourcing Insights episode about re-shoring, here is a good summary of the stories of Vela Bikes and WOW Sports.

As the excitement of summer sports grips the nation, TyreSafe has announced the launch of its Be a Sport, Check Your Tyres campaign. This initiative encourages road users to adopt the mindset of elite athletes by emphasising the importance of preparation for peak performance—specifically, in maintaining their tyres. With a lineup of major sporting events including the Euros, Wimbledon, the Olympics, the British Grand Prix, and the Tour de France, TyreSafe aims to inspire drivers to make sure their vehicle is operating and peak performance and safety through proper tyre maintenance. This summer, TyreSafe is using the crucial ACT acronym to help riders and drivers remember three essential steps for tyre care, and the campaign uses a fun and engaging tyre sports stars in a range of scenarios, to link tyre safety to the summer of sport. Stuart Lovatt, TyreSafe Chair, said: “Just as athletes prepare meticulously to perform at their best, road users too can take simple steps to ensure their safety and the performance of their vehicles. Proper tyre maintenance is crucial, not just for safety, but also for fuel efficiency and reducing tyre wear. Our Be a Sport, Check Your Tyres  campaign is about inspiring road users to take action and achieve the perfect drive every time they hit the road this summer." https://lnkd.in/efD6YcDs

Consolidation of connected fitness continues... High-tech home rowing startup Hydrow, Inc. just bought a majority stake in SPEEDE. This gives Hydrow a foothold in the less crowded strength-focused space, where Tonal is the market leader. But Speede is taking a different approach. They are positioning themselves as the peak performance machine targeting pro and amateur athletes and only selling into commercial and team-based setting. Cool to see the market and product offerings growing fast. https://lnkd.in/edn7pZ2D

Apologies for beating a dead horse, but while we looked at approaches shops should take in dealing with the pandemic hangover effects in our previous post, this one has a glass-half-full perspective, especially if you're in the market for a new #bicycle or bike gear. This article in Bicycling magazine highlights the incredible deals that are to be had as brands and dealers alike wrestle with the massive inventory hangover. One such deal is a 2-for-1 from #kona, but these aren't Hawaiian pizzas: They're US$4000+ bicycles. While certainly extreme, it is far from the only deal to be had. From #trek to #specialized to #canyon, brands are offering once-in-a-generation deals to clear inventory in an over-stuffed market inundated by a steady stream of new product offerings. Given the extreme of the situation, there are no good choices for cycling brands and retailers. Those who a) quickly acknowledge the reality that they must absorb substantial losses on a lot of current inventory, and b) are willing and able to make dramatic mark downs on said inventory to clear it out will fare the best. "Able" is the key word in the preceding sentence, as doing so requires a sizable cash cushion that many smaller businesses lack, and sadly there will be a great deal of pain over the next year or two. On the other hand, if you are a consumer and in the market, you are absolutely spoiled for choice. Bide your time and shop carefully and you will likely be able to name your price. If you've got a friend who works in a shop or a warehouse, now is the time to call up and start negotiating. They might even be willing to give away last year's frames if you're willing to purchase some wheels for it. That's the state of things. https://lnkd.in/gacWqMJD

“Even when bankruptcies occur, the industry often sees assets that are kept on life support due to either subsidies from existing shareholders (personal wealth), new money that wants to come into the romanticized space, or acquisitions that likely result in cannibalization. As such, capacity never actually leaves the way it should.” This week I wrote about the high barriers to exit in the cycling business inspired by excerpt of an article written by Jacob Dudek. This quote really hit home for me and I wanted to dive deeper into the idea. #cycling #velo #ciclismo #businessofcycling

The global Sports Cycle market was valued at US$ 5801.3 million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach US$ 8228.8 million by 2030 witnessing a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period 20242030. #GlobalSportsCycleMarket #Cycling #SportsCycles #MountainBicycles #RoadBicycles #TrackRacingBicycles #AmateurCycling #ProfessionalCycling #MarketGrowth #EcoFriendlyTransport

𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐟 𝐏𝐮𝐬𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐬, 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐲𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝐭𝐨 𝟐𝟎𝟑𝟑 The golf push and pull cart market has witnessed significant growth in recent years due to the increasing popularity of golf as a recreational activity and sport, coupled with the rising awareness about health and fitness among the global population. Golf push and pull carts offer convenience, ease of use, and help golfers carry their equipment around the course without the physical strain of carrying a heavy bag on their shoulders. The market is characterized by innovation, with manufacturers focusing on developing lightweight, durable, and feature-rich carts to cater to the evolving demands of golfers. ✅ 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭: https://lnkd.in/gP66bgkC Key Factors: 🔹Rising Golf Participation: The growing number of people participating in golf, both as a recreational activity and a professional sport, has fueled the demand for golf equipment, including push and pull carts. 🔹Health and Fitness Trends: With increasing awareness about health and fitness, golfers are seeking ways to enjoy the sport while minimizing physical strain. Push and pull carts offer a convenient solution, allowing golfers to transport their equipment effortlessly. 🔹Technological Advancements: Manufacturers are integrating advanced features into golf push and pull carts, such as ergonomic designs, lightweight materials, adjustable handles, and enhanced storage options, to enhance the user experience and attract more consumers. 🔹Environmental Sustainability: There is a growing emphasis on environmental sustainability across industries, including sports and recreation. As a result, eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes are gaining traction in the golf push and pull cart market. Market Segmentations: Global Golf Push and Pull Cart Market: By #Company BIG MAX Golf Dynamic Brands Sun Mountain Sports Alphard Gold Axglo Inc Cart Tek Mizuno USA Global Golf Push and Pull Cart Market: By #Type Manual Carts Electric Carts Global Golf Push and Pull Cart Market: By #Application Online Retail Offline Retail 📌Stringent Datalytics - Retails and Consumer #Golf #PushAndPullCart #MarketReport #SportsEquipment #Golfing #GolfAccessories #GolfingGear #GolfTrends #OutdoorSports #GolfIndustry #MarketAnalysis #Golfers

The sport of the falling leaves With October approaching fast, it is nearly time for the traditional last momument of the season: Il Giro di Lombardia, La Corsa delle Foglie Morte, the race of the falling leaves. For those that don't understand the passion Italians have for cycling, book yourself a ticket to northern Italy and immerse yourself in their 'Amore Infinito'. Go check the Ghisallo and the Muro di Sormano and you will be sold. October is generally a month where teams already prepare their next season. Times are long over where teams would welcome their riders in a January training camp and asses their wellbeing and fitness. Everything is meticulously planned so that the error margin become close to zero. With that in mind and all World Tour Teams going into their second year of their 3 year licence for the pinnacle of the sport, there seems nothing to worry about. Two of the most successful and long-lasting teams apparently feel the need to see if they can merge; there have been smaller challenges! Bringing two team cultures together, having an overload of riders, staff and (material) sponsors, never proved to be easy, regardless of the looming advantages. With the current ranking system of the UCI, teams can theoretically secure a spot in the World Tour with scoring points in the last race before the new 3 year sequence. The news of mergers and the hunt for new partners (sometimes approaching existing partners of colleague teams) brings a new degree of insecurity in the sport; one of the reasons cycling doesn't reach its full potential. Investors want a stable system to step into. A clear vision and mission, with clear rules, structures, decisions and governance. The sport is at the crossroads, either we light a candle at the Madonna di Ghisallo and hope for the best (and see who is left at the start of Milano-Sanremo) or teams, organizers, riders and the UCI find each other in a new business and sports model that is sustainable. Luckily, life is the tree and not the leaf, however, unhealthy trees won't produce leaves at some moment in time... #professionalcycling #leadership #sponsoring #amoreinfinito #sportsecosystem

INVITATION for strategic angel investors in the outdoor experience sector. We’re looking for people who are passionate about categories like cycling, snow sports, watersports or golf or have experience with ecomm or marketplace businesses and want to disrupt these sectors for buyers (people like us). If you’re interested please send me a DM for deck. Zeeda - The first group buying marketplace for outdoor enthusiasts, get the gear you want at a price you’ll share. Example; The cycling industry alone sells over 400m+ units per year with a 10%+ CAGR. There is major growth in the e-bike industry mostly from 45 - 70 year olds. The best cycling brands are looking at the car industry on how to improve the buyer experience. On top of the 10%+ CAGR there is considerable growth from HABO’s (had a bike once) people however the cycling industry is predominantly focused on the mid to high end bike user. Additional Details: ·      Veteran Founders: Dave Carruthers Ray Jenkin Peter Turner ·      Accredited investors only ·      Check sizes min: $10k max: 100k ·      SEIS, EIS