ARGON 18 Launches Partnership with Astana, Opens European Office
High-end bike manufacturer opens first international office to support its growing European market
Montreal, November 25, 2016 – Argon 18 prepares for 2017 with the opening of their international sales office in Italy, expanding its global sales within the European market. With its step up into the UCI World Tour in 2017 with Astana Pro Team, Argon 18’s announcement of the European office further showcases the commitment to their growth as a global cycling brand.
“We are fully committed to our partnership with Astana Pro Team and having a corporate office in Europe will allow us tremendous activation with Astana,” says Gervais Rioux, Founder and CEO of Argon 18. “Being present in the World Tour, we are able to establish a larger base and presence in Europe. Our newly established office in Italy allows our company to service our customers and brings us greater visibility and better positioning in the market as a global manufacturer.”
The European office is located in Busnago, Italy and will operate sales and marketing divisions. Jeff Hammond, Director of International Sales, comes across from Argon 18’s corporate headquarters in Canada to direct the European location. With more than 16 years working with International Distribution networks in sport, Hammond has had an integral part in the international growth of the company since taking the International Sales Director role in 2010.
“With our new office based in Italy, one of the main strategic locations in cycling, we are closer to our key markets and will strengthen our communication and service to our distributors and retailers worldwide,” says Hammond. “Being in the heart of Europe will foster our network with our strategic channel partners and a closer connection to our customers. The heritage of Astana, with 10 years on the World Tour, along with our International office in the traditional base of cycling in Italy will definitely bring Argon 18 to the next level.”
Over the last 24 months, the Canadian high-end bike manufacturer experienced tremendous growth in every aspect: record product launches, including innovative and cutting-edge smart bike technologies and the significant expansion of distribution to over 70 countries. Astana will unveil the 2017 Argon 18 team bikes at the team launch of this week in Italy, followed by the team’s pre season training camp.
Astana Pro Team will be riding the Gallium Pro, along with the Nitrogen Pro and E-118 Next. A limited edition Astana Pro Team bike will be available for sale to the public in early 2017.
Argon 18 makes UCI World Tour debut with Astana Pro Team
Argon 18 introduced the line-up of bikes for Astana Pro Team at today’s press conference to open the partnership with the long-standing UCI World Tour team. The 2017 Astana Pro Team’s Argon 18 bikes feature new colors with splashes of the iconic Astana blue and yellow.
“Our bikes are the result of long experience and know-how, and that is what differentiates us from other manufacturers, ” says Gervais Rioux, Founder and CEO of Argon 18. “We have managed to combine the knowledge of cycling’s tradition with modernity and technology, and this is what made us successful. Being a specialty brand, we are the perfect partners to step up to the next level with the development of our products. Meanwhile, the team has a partner who will progress with them. The goal is to mutually challenge each other in order to improve everybody’s performance. We feel there is a great commitment from their part, and it motivates us even more.”
Argon 18 is joined in the Astana Pro Team partnership with Quebec-based Premier Tech. With offices in 24 countries and current endeavours in cycling on various levels. Partnering with the world class Astana Pro Team program along side Argon 18 was the perfect timing for the growing company. Driven by the collective power of three division groups – Horticulture and Agriculture, Industrial Equipment, and Environmental Technologies – Premier Tech is a leading innovator with increasing global reach.
“To have Premier Tech join us further adds to the activation and growth of our brands on a global level,” Rioux added.
Astana Pro Team will be riding the Gallium Pro, along with the Nitrogen Pro and E-118 Next. Giordana Cycling Apparel makes their return to the UCI World Tour with a collaborative design to pair with the bikes for the 2017 season. Astana Pro Cycling team will wear the new FR-C® Pro collection of technical apparel from Giordana for all racing and training activities beginning in January 2017.
About Argon 18
Established in Montreal, Canada, since 1989, Argon 18 has built itself a strong reputation in the cycling world. Guided by Olympian and 3-time Canadian Champion Gervais Rioux, one of the most successful North-American racers of his generation, the manufacturing of all Argon 18 bikes is the result of a brilliant expertise. The sophisticated and inventive design of Argon 18 bikes is based on handling, aerodynamics, and human performance at its core, fully in line with the morphology of each cyclist. All Argon 18 bikes integrate cutting-edge technologies, and are designed and developed in Canada. Argon 18 bikes are now available around the world in more than 70 countries. - argon18bike.com
About Astana Pro Team
Astana Pro Team is a Kazakh squad that was formed in 2006. Led by Alexandr Vinokurov, the most famous and successful cyclist in the history of Kazakhstan and one of the greatest sportsman ever in his country, the team has a Grand Tour talent in the shape of Fabio Aru, who won the 2015 Vuelta a España after placing second in the Giro behind Alberto Contador earlier that year.
