Our People
Our factory is the beating heart of our company.
Every single day, our team goes the extra mile to make sure each bike leaves 100% ready to ride. From design to painting to final assembly, every step happens right here in Belgium, with passion, precision, and craftsmanship at its core.
In this series, we’re putting a few of the people behind our bikes in the spotlight—just a small glimpse of the many hands and stories that make it all possible.
It’s the people behind every bike who make the difference, putting their heart and soul into each build.
Sanding specialists
Our sanding specialists are the first to handle every frame. They are true craftsmen, carrying out their work with exceptional precision and attention to detail. This is where quality begins — shaped by skilled hands.
“I come to work with pleasure every day,” says sanding specialist Jeremy Boschmans, who has been part of our team for many years. “There’s a lot of variety in my job, and I really enjoy working on the bikes. I still remember when even Tom Boonen’s bike passed through here — it’s an honour to work on something like that.”
Paint specialists
Craftsmanship is just as present in our paint shop. Every day, Team Lead Paint Shop Niki Oeyen focuses on mixing colours with the utmost precision — a crucial step in achieving the perfect finish.
“The ratios are essential to get the right colours,” says Niki. “I’ve been doing this job for more than ten years, and I still enjoy it every day. Of course, customer preferences evolve with trends, but that’s what keeps it interesting. We like working with new colours — it literally adds a new colour to your job. Sometimes we see bold or unexpected combinations, and that’s what makes it so engaging.”
Quality control specialists
Johan Thijsen and Sebahattin “Seba” Yigit are responsible for the quality control of every bike. A role that requires the highest level of precision and attention to detail.
“We really have an eye for detail. Not a single imperfection is allowed to pass, because we aim for 100% quality on every bike. That requires full concentration, which is why we also make sure to relax during breaks. It’s what makes us more than colleagues — we can truly call each other friends.
Our passion for bikes naturally grows in this job. You start paying more attention to every bike you see, and when it’s a Ridley, we know it has passed through our hands.”
Assembly Specialists
Andy Philips and Peter Drijkoningen are part of our assembly line, where every bike comes together. Over the years, the team has undergone a major transformation — from building bikes individually to working in a structured line assembly system.
“The transition from individual bike assembly to line production was a real challenge,” explains Peter. “We had to rethink the entire process and answer key questions: what structural changes were needed, how would we suspend the bikes, and how would we divide the work across different zones?”
To support this shift, a dedicated trolley system was developed by our process engineer and further refined together with the assembly team. It was essential that the system could carry all components while keeping the bike easily accessible from every angle.
“This marked the beginning of a new chapter for us,” Peter continues. “We started by testing a single line. Once that was running smoothly, we introduced a second line and kept improving together as a team. Today, we can efficiently build a wide range of models, even when mixed on the same line.”
A more flexible and engaging way of working
The introduction of line assembly significantly changed the way the team operates. “A key improvement is the division of work into different zones and stations,” says Peter. “This makes training much more accessible, as tasks can be learned step by step. Even people without prior experience in bike assembly can contribute to building our bikes.”
At the same time, job rotation ensures that assemblers remain flexible and can work across multiple stations. This keeps the work varied and engaging, even within a structured production environment.
“Another important change is that team members are actively involved in improvements and process changes. This creates a stronger sense of ownership and has a very positive impact on the overall atmosphere on the shop floor.”
Collaboration across departments
Collaboration between departments plays a crucial role in achieving the highest quality standards.
“Teamwork doesn’t stop at the boundaries of a department,” Peter explains. “By working closely together and sharing feedback, we continuously improve and deliver a product we can be proud of — and one that riders can be proud to ride.”
A clear example of this impact can be seen in the development of the latest generation of cockpits. Thanks to improvements made upstream, the efficiency at the handlebar assembly station increased significantly — from an average of 25 handlebars per assembler per day to 30–35.
Supply chain specialist
Niels Henrioulle is a great example of how our factory creates opportunities for personal and professional development.
“I started my career in the factory, working in different areas such as the lift and picking. I always enjoyed that work,” Niels explains. “Through that experience, I was given the opportunity to move into Customer Service — an opportunity I was happy to take.”
His journey within the company continued to evolve. “At first, I was helping to collect parts for bike assembly. Later on, I was directly involved in building the bikes myself. Today, I work in the supply chain department.”
Although he has transitioned from the factory floor to an office environment, his connection to the production side remains strong. “I may have moved to the office, but I still have a view of where I used to work, and I regularly return to the factory to collect parts.”
“Every day, I come to work with a smile — and I leave with one as well.”
Customer Service: Raising the Standard
At Belgian Cycling Factory, customer service plays a central role in how we deliver quality to both riders and dealers. It is where our bikes are prepared, checked, and perfected before they begin their journey and where our commitment to excellence becomes tangible.
With the recent renovation of our workshop at Bike Valley in Beringen, we have taken an important step forward in strengthening this commitment. The new workspace is designed to support efficiency, precision, and craftsmanship at every stage of the process. Modern workstations and optimized workflows allow our technicians to operate with greater consistency and control, ensuring that every bike meets the highest standards before leaving our facility.
What truly defines our Customer Service department is the people behind it. Our team combines hands-on retail experience with insights from the professional peloton, bringing a deep understanding of both product and rider expectations. This unique mix translates into a high-performance mindset, where every detail matters and every bike is treated with care.
Continuous improvement is embedded in our daily operations. Through structured shopfloor meetings and close monitoring of performance indicators, we constantly refine the way we work. This approach enables us to respond quickly, improve efficiency, and maintain a consistently high level of service.
Ultimately, our investment in this renewed workshop reflects a clear ambition: to provide reliable, high-quality service that supports our partners and enhances the experience of every rider. Each bike that leaves our workshop is the result of technical expertise, thoughtful preparation, and a shared dedication to getting every detail right.
