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 vital in our paint shop, where precision and creativity come together to define the final look and feel of every bike. Every day, Team Lead Paint Shop Niki Oeyen and his team focus on mixing colours with the highest level of accuracy, a crucial step in achieving a flawless, high-quality finish that meets both technical standards and customer expectations.
“The ratios are absolutely key to achieving the right colours,” says Niki. “Even the smallest variation can make a visible difference in the end result. That level of precision is what makes this job so unique.”
For 25 years, Niki Oeyen (45) has been part of Belgian Cycling Factory. Straight out of school, he applied on his own initiative to the company’s site in Beringen, where he discovered a creative outlet in the paint shop. Over the years, he progressed from entry-level roles — including packing, sanding, warehouse, shipping and assembly — to become Team Lead of the department. Today, he leads the team together with his colleague Sharon, continuing to contribute to what ultimately matters most: creating products people dream about. “You’re working on a high-end product—that brings a real sense of pride. Everyone here is driven by the same goal.”
From an early age, Niki had a passion for design. “As a teenager, I was already immersed in graffiti and airbrush art. You can also see in my tattoos that I enjoy creative, artistic work.” That creative foundation still defines his work today, where technical expertise and artistic precision go hand in hand.
With more than a decade of experience in the paint shop itself, Niki continues to find energy in the variety and evolution of the role. “I’ve been doing this for over ten years, and I still enjoy it every single day. The job never becomes routine. Trends evolve, and so do our customers’ preferences — that’s what keeps it dynamic and challenging.”
Over the years, he has also built a strong connection with the company and its products. “I still remember working on a yellow bike during the Lotto years for Cadel Evans when he was targeting a Tour victory. One evening, the bike is still hanging in the paint shop; the next day, millions of people are watching it. That gives you an extra drive to deliver perfection.”
He recalls other defining moments just as vividly: “Robbie McEwen riding a green Ridley bike in the Tour, our partnership with Vacansoleil, or Riccardo Riccò visiting our factory and joining us at the Circuit of Zolder. Those experiences stay with you.” Even today, the team closely follows professional riders, sharing in the pride when a stage is won on a bike they helped create.
That sense of pride extends far beyond professional cycling. “A colleague recently told me how proud he felt after reading that Roland Liboton had received one of our bikes, reigniting his passion for cycling. Moments like that are special.” It reflects the culture within the company, a family business where colleagues often become friends, united by a shared ambition: creating the most beautiful bikes possible.
At the same time, the paint shop remains a place of constant innovation and creativity. “We enjoy working with new colours and finishes; it quite literally adds a new dimension to what we do. Sometimes we see bold or unexpected combinations, and that’s exactly what makes the work so engaging.”
Today, the team is looking to welcome a new spray painter. It’s a role that combines craftsmanship with variety: from applying base coats to handling special effects and finishing layers. “For me, the most rewarding part is the final result,” Niki explains. “If you’re painting doors, you never see them again. But bikes—you see them everywhere: on the road, in nature. You literally see the impact of your work.”
What stands out most in Niki’s journey is the opportunity to grow. “That’s part of the company culture. If you show commitment and genuine interest in your job, you’re given opportunities to develop. At Belgian Cycling Factory, those opportunities are always there.”
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.
