Former Olympic and World Champion Anna van der Breggen and multiple Grand Tour stage winners André Greipel and Marcel Kittel have joined forces with Classified as investors and brand ambassadors.
The three former pro-cyclists are bolstering Belgian start-up company Classified and its Powershift hub technology. The company’s award-winning 2-speed wireless gearing system, integrated into the rear hub, makes it possible to… ‘instantaneously change from one gear to another, under full load and on any terrain.’
With 62 pro wins to her name and an impressive range of accolades that include an Olympic title, Anna van der Breggen is one of the best cyclists of her generation. The Dutch former World Champion has recently retired as a pro-cyclist and made the transition to become a sports director for SD Worx women’s pro cycling team. Her interest in continuing to be involved in the next chapter of cycling history led her to Classified.
“I think Classified Powershift it’s a really big technological development,” said Anna van der Breggen.
“It shifts totally different from everything that I’m used to. It’s faster and very trustable. You can shift on any scenario, sitting down or standing up. It’s game-changing and I’m sure it will help professional cyclists in races but also amateurs.
“The first time I tried Powershift I just thought to myself: how is it possible?! It’s so fast, it’s unreal.”
André Greipel cemented himself as one of the greatest sprinters of all time, having amassed no less than 158 professional victories, including 22 Grand Tour stage wins. The German rider recently called time on his 17-year career as a pro cyclist.
“After just five pedal strokes with the Powershift hub I decided I wanted to invest in Classified,” said Greipel, who heralds improved speed as one of the main advantages of Classified Powershift technology.
“I was very surprised with the system, in a positive way. I tested it on my own bike for a few months and I’m totally happy with the system.
“For me one of the key benefits is the improved aerodynamics and the possibility of instantaneously changing from the small to the big chainring without ever losing power on the pedals. This can be crucial in many situations, especially on a hilly time trial and classics where you have to shift constantly between the big and small chainrings.”
Also joining the ranks of Classified, as an investor and ambassador, is former sprint powerhouse Marcel Kittel, whose impressive sprinting pedigree saw him win 89 pro races, including 32 World Tour stages during his pro career.
Kittel said “Classified’s Powershift technology is, in my eyes, revolutionary because it’s very fast, very efficient and improves the aerodynamics of the bike.
“You keep the advantages of having a two gearing system on your bike but you shift even better because you can shift under full load. It’s a really strong package and it will, literally, shift the technology one level up when it comes to bike components. You can shift within milliseconds from one gear to another.”
He added “I invested in Classified because I believe in this technology, I believe in its advantages and, for the future, I think this will challenge the whole market. I believe everyone at Classified wants to reinvent the sport of cycling and push it even further.”
Former World Champion Tom Boonen was one of the early backers of Classified when the Belgian company first introduced Powershift to the market in 2020.
The Belgian company notes that the addition of Van der Breggen, Greipel and Kittel… ‘not only consolidates Classified’s reputation as a high-end bicycle drivetrain innovator but further ignites the company’s resolve to continue to make the impossible possible in the cycling industry.’
“We’re delighted to welcome Anna, André and Marcel as part of our ambitious team at Classified,” said Mathias Plouvier, CEO of Classified.
“Like us, they’re invested and passionate about cycling innovation; and we’re truly honoured to have such inspirational ambassadors support the Powershift technology. Their insight as former professional cyclists will be highly valuable and we’re excited to have them join us on this journey to change in paradigm in cycling and deliver the ultimate shifting experience.
“We have created a unique, revolutionary shifting technology that has effectively taken the drivetrain industry by storm. It’s motivating and empowering to have the support and belief of Anna, André and Marcel who, like Tom Boonen, one of our early investors, want to embark on this ambitious journey with Classified as we seek to push the boundaries in cycling components. There has never been a better time to shift!”
