Lapierre, the renowned French bicycle brand, is returning to the top level of UCI World Tour professional cycling after a two-year absence. As of January 1, 2025, it will become the official supplier of the Picnic PostNL team, formerly DSM-firmenich, in an agreement that will run through 2028.

This comeback is possible thanks to the financial recovery of the Accell Group, Lapierre’s parent company, which managed to recapitalize itself with 235 million euros. This financial injection allowed the brand to overcome financial difficulties and reinvest in its presence in the professional peloton.

PICNIC POSTNL AND LAPIERRE: STRATEGIC ALLIANCE

The Picnic PostNL team, based in the Netherlands, is Lapierre’s partner, including the men’s and women’s teams as well as the men’s development team, which will compete with the French brand’s latest generation bikes. This agreement reinforces Lapierre’s presence in elite cycling and ensures global visibility in major competitions.

In addition, Picnic PostNL will benefit from advanced technological integration with Lapierre bikes, including collaboration with XLC, another Accell Group brand, which will provide additional equipment such as backpacks and custom bags.

THE XELIUS DRS: INNOVATION AND PERFORMANCE

The star of the Lapierre lineup will be the Xelius DRS, introduced in October 2024. This sixth-generation bike is designed to maximize aerodynamics and efficiency, representing the brand’s commitment to innovation. In time trials, the team’s riders will use the Aerostorm DRS, another technological creation that promises to stand out in the peloton.

With geometries optimized for competition, Lapierre bikes will not only offer superior performance, but also a platform to further develop improvements based on rider feedback.