The move aims to help the international cycling industry get business done through the COVID-19 pandemic

15 September 2020: Taipei, Taiwan – TAIPEI CYCLE has revealed the 2021 show will sit alongside a new virtual event TAIPEI CYCLE Online next March. The move cements TAIPEI CYCLE’s position as a major event on the industry calendar to gain access to the latest developments from manufacturers for the aftermarket and OEMs, as well as a crucial gateway for business in the Asia-Pacific markets.

In a press conference broadcast from Taipei today, Mr. Walter Yeh, president of the show’s organising body TAITRA, announced the change to an audience of domestic and international media. Joining Mr. Yeh were three leading industry figures: Mr. Michael Tzeng, President and CEO of  Merida, Ms. Bonnie Tu, Chair of GIANT Group, and Mr. Robert Wu, Chair of KMC at the Leaders Panel, who shared their thoughts on the key theme ‘Cycling Through The Pandemic,’ and how businesses can rise to meet the challenges and opportunities created by the extraordinary events of 2020.

TAITRA confirmed that TAIPEI CYCLE will still hold a physical exhibition next year,  taking place as scheduled at TaiNex Halls 1 and 2 between March 3 – 6,  whilst TAIPEI CYCLE Online will kick off on the same day but continue for one month.

Four elements comprise the new TAIPEI CYCLE Online: a virtual hall and booths to display the unique offerings of all exhibitors; online networking platforms to schedule business meetings; live stream events to experience elements of the physical event in Taipei including the Fashion Show, Cycle Salon and an online forums discussing industry insights; plus exclusive access to insights on buyer demographics following the show to inform marketing.

The physical event will continue to showcase the strength of Taiwan’s bicycle industry and the very latest cutting-edge technology for a glimpse of the future of cycling. There will be dedicated exhibits to Complete Bicycles, Bicycle Parts, Bicycle Accessories, E-Bikes & Drive units, Cycling Services, and Smart Cycling Devices. The number of companies exhibiting E-Bikes and Drive units is expected to exceed 200 booths, doubling in size since last year.

Mr. Yeh’s opening remarks outlined this strength, describing how the excellent economic performance Taiwanese bicycle industry has been helped by a continued boom in the popularity of e-bikes globally. Up to this July, Taiwan’s e-bike exports numbered 410,000, up 21% from the same period last year. Export values of e-bikes reached $523 billion, on par with regular bikes which stood at $583 billion.

Mr Walter Yeh, President and CEO of TAITRA, said: “The pandemic has transformed the dynamic of trade and business and shifted the world towards being digital. We are excited to embrace that change with TAIPEI CYCLE Online. Our joint exhibition platforms offer an innovative solution to our international exhibitors and attendees who, like us, want to continue getting the business of the cycling industry done whilst we weather the storm of COVID-19.”