Italian performance cycling brand Cinelli has announced a new partnership with German continental professional cycling outfit BIKE AID, backing the team in its mission to develop African athletes and cycling.
Cinelli will provide the team with a fleet of custom edition Pressure II performance road bikes for training and racing throughout the 2026 season.
BIKE AID was established in 2005 as a cycling community and has since grown to more than 1,200 members, making it one of the largest cycling communities in Germany.
Since its founding, the organisation has raised and distributed over €1,063,000 in donations to support social projects. In 2014, it registered its continental team to create a pathway for riders from Africa to compete internationally.
The custom 2026 Cinelli team bikes feature a design that combines Cinelli’s aesthetic with BIKE AID’s identity. The frames include artistic iconography and visuals inspired by African culture.
Victor Luis, Chairman and CEO of Cinelli, said “Our partnership with BIKE AID represents much more than just the support for a pro cycling team. With this collaboration we’re looking to create new, meaningful and deep connections with German and African cycling and to help a number of riders make the next step in their cycling careers.”
The 2026 BIKE AID roster features 13 riders, including three from Eritrea: Yoel Habteab, Even Yemane, and Nahom Efriem, who was the 2025 Junior Eritrean Road Race Champion. All riders will have access to the Cinelli Pressure II frames, which are designed for high-performance racing.
Matthias Schnapka, Team Founder at BIKE AID, said “Since 2014, we have been searching for a bike partner who shares our values and wants to change and enrich cycling together with us. Our visit to Cinelli in Milan felt like coming home. We met incredible, warm-hearted people working with true passion.”
Founded in Milan in 1948, Cinelli has a 75-year history in the cycling industry, known for its focus on manufacturing specialism and creative collaboration. BIKE AID competes in approximately 100 races annually across all continents, using its platform to provide education, internships, and intercultural exchange for its athletes.
www.bikeaid.de
www.cinelli-milano.com
