EVERY RIDE COUNTS.

HISTORY

The history of the Belgian Cycling Factory has its roots in the early 90s. Meanwhile, we have been part of the cycling landscape for over thirty years. 

Belgian Cycling Factory is the continuation of the company Race Productions, founded in 1990 by Jochim Aerts, initially operating from his parents' garage in Balen. After gaining extensive experience in frame construction and painting Bioracer bikes, the next step was taken. The establishment of the Ridley brand in 1997 marked a significant milestone, with the name referencing director Ridley Scott, known for 'Alien.' 

From the outset, Ridley made substantial investments in research and development, playing a pivotal role in pioneering innovations in cycling, including the increasing significance of aerodynamics and the adoption of carbon bikes. The presence of co-managing director Paul Kumpen (father of race driver Anthony), who remained on board until 2013, ensured the company consistently sought small technological improvements. 

Ridley quickly found its way into the professional peloton, with a dozen cyclocross riders securing prestigious titles, and Ridley bikes achieving notable victories on the road. From Robbie McEwen and Filippo Pozzato circling the globe to Cadel Evans proudly wearing the yellow jersey on a Ridley, the once-small bike brand became known from Australia to Argentina. 

Ridley's turnover multiplied tenfold in a decade, prompting the search for a new headquarters in Paal to meet the rising demand. The company's workforce exceeded 80 employees, and sales surged from thousands to tens of thousands of bikes, with Ridley expanding its presence in more countries. 

In Beringen, alongside BCF's headquarters, Flanders BikeVille was inaugurated in 2013 as an innovative knowledge center for Ridley, along with BioRacer, Lazer Sport, Voxdale, and Flanders Make. Three years later, a wind tunnel and incubator were added, providing companies with office space for further development in the cycling sector. In a short period, over 50 SMEs and institutions became part of the rapidly growing knowledge center. Bike Valley became a benchmark in cycling technology, drawing an impressive roster of international cycling stars who frequented the wind tunnel. In 2018, King Filip and Queen Mathilde observed, among other things, the wind tunnel and took a tour at Ridley. The wind tunnel played a significant role in Victor Campenaerts breaking the hour record in 2019, and even after subsequent records set by Daniel Bigham and Filippo Ganna, the wind tunnel remained in demand. 

A new step was taken in 2017 with the acquisition of the Eddy Merckx brand, founded by the cannibal himself in 1980. This brought together two major Belgian cycling brands. Simultaneously, Race Productions was renamed Belgian Cycling Factory. In 2020, BCF acquired BikeVille, with the Limburg Investment Company LRM and other shareholders selling their shares, making BCF the owner of the entire site in Paal. At that time, eleven companies were active in BikeVille, which also housed a climate chamber. The wind tunnel has since operated under the BCF banner. Investments and digital transformation further fueled the company's growth.  

Today, Bike Valley hosts various corporate events, attracting participants from diverse economic sectors to Paal. With a special menu, Bike Valley offers lectures and sporting events, providing an ideal opportunity for factory tours showcasing the highlights of the rich collection. 

Ridley and Eddy Merckx offer bikes for road cycling, gravel, mountain biking, cyclocross, time trials, triathlons, track cycling, and e-bikes. Production is currently spread across China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Taiwan but will be centralized in the Netherlands starting in 2024. Bikes are assembled and packaged at the Beringen site or a factory in Moldova. BCF has over 1000 sales points in Europe. 

Belgian Cycling Factory now employs over 180 people globally, producing up to 400 custom bikes daily, distributed in 60 countries. Yet, the ambition is not satisfied; like the most ambitious cyclists, Belgian Cycling Factory aims to improve every day.