Cycling apparel brand Café du Cycliste, based on the Cote d’Azur, has been named in Les Echos’ list of the 500 fastest growing French companies.
With with the position of 175 in 2022, the Les Echos fastest growing recognition is the fourth year in a row on the list for the company that started life in a small café in the hills of Nice in 2009.
With its base in Nice, containing a café and store, the company produces a range of garments for both cycling and life outdoors. From jerseys and shorts to swimwear and backpacks, the company adds that ‘every design uses high performance materials with signature French style.’
Creative Director and co-founder Rémi Clermont said “Cycling is a beautiful pursuit that deserves the best apparel and accessories. We are right at the heart of French cycling culture, at the foot of the Alps, in a place that has a grand history in the sport and an amazing future for new bike adventures.
“We want to create products for every kind of ride, and for people who love exploring the outdoors.”
The company has reported growth of around 163% in 2017-21. This has been driven by cycling markets across the world from Japan to Germany, with sales reportedly blooming online, as well as via two own-brand stores in Nice and Mallorca, plus a carefully selected group of retail partners such as Mr Porter and Matchesfashion.
The company has also enjoyed a boost with new shareholder Gregory Mager, co-founder of French beauty-business, Maesa.
Café du Cycliste has expanded products in the gravel area alongside producing a pure outdoor range under the Arrière Pays name (French for ‘back country’).
“On our doorstep are famous climbs of the Tour de France like Col de Turini and Col d’Èze,” continued Clermont. “But the riding in the Alpes-Maritimes is far wider than that. The stunning scenery, the hidden routes, the local secrets. It’s constantly a voyage of discovery by bike, and we want to continue exploring as we grow the company.”
