CeramicSpeed, the performance bearing supplier to pro tour teams OmegaPharma-Quick-Step, Tinkoff-Saxo, Team Astana, and world-class triathletes such as Leanda Cave and Tyler Butterfield, is rolling out an expansion plan for the US market.
In a major shift for the company, the Danish ceramic bearing specialist has appointed Ben Powell to take charge and develop CeramicSpeed’s after-market operations in the United States. Formerly involved with HED Cycling and a respected name within the triathlon industry, Powell is keen to build on the company’s strong name and success, across the entire United States.
Building on growth already seen in Europe
The move by CeramicSpeed outlines the company’s intentions to further the growth it has already seen in Europe. Company Managing Director Martin Banke said “There is a lot of work to be done. Our recognition and success over the past years, through on-going work with Specialized, SRAM, multiple pro tour teams and top professional athletes, gives us the confidence we can position CeramicSpeed as the number one ceramic bearing provider within the cycling marketplace.”
He continued, “Our intentions have always been to have a physical presence in the United States. Now at a time where we are heavily engaged with the world’s most prolific cycling teams, triathletes and OEM customers, it makes perfect sense to increase our focus towards the United States.
“Ben’s knowledge, passion and growing expertise for our products is superb. His proven ability to build and develop brands combined with his awareness of both the cycling and triathlon industry will be a great asset to the CeramicSpeed company.”
Working closely with US partners
CeramicSpeed’s intentions for the United States are clear and focused. According to Ben Powell, work now really begins in earnest to deliver the message surrounding CeramicSpeed bearings to US consumers. “The performance, quality and lifetime of CeramicSpeed bearings is second-to-none,” Powell said. “Standards differ greatly amongst other ceramic bearing manufacturers. Our focus is on all-round bearing performance; friction, longevity and quality combined.”
Operating out of Clermont, Florida, and Boulder, Colorado, Ben is keen to actively build on the sales team currently representing CeramicSpeed. “It is important we develop new relations with strong, passionate dealers inside the US. We will put focus on educating, communicating and working closely with our partners.”
CeramicSpeed was founded in 2004 with all products handmade at the company’s HQ in Denmark. The company specialises in ceramic bearings for the cycling industry, which are distributed in 15 countries. CeramicSpeed bearings and products are ridden by pro tour teams Team Tinkoff-Saxo, Omega Pharma – Quick-Step and Team Astana.
Since 2007 SRAM has been using CeramicSpeed bearings for its Red and XX bottom brackets. Since 2011 Specialized has been delivering all S-Works road frames with CeramicSpeed bottom bracket bearings. While, in triathlon, CeramicSpeed products are ridden by Leanda Cave, Tyler Butterfield, Greg and Laura Bennett, Eneko Llanos, Dirk Bockel, Helle Frederiksen, Michelle Vesterby among others.
CeramicSpeed is currently represented and distributed in the United States by Radial Sports, QBP and Ocshner.
