Find out how to get your business rolling by benefitting from Flanders’ unique bicycle industry — join the ride.
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Bicycle Industry in Flanders
Visit Flanders
Its breathtaking scenery, mythical climbs and challenging cobblestones make Flanders a beloved region for many cyclists — not to mention its long history in cycling, world-famous Tour of Flanders, and cycling legends like Eddy Merckx. The numbers tell the tale as well: cyclists from Belgium and Flanders have won more UCI Road World Championship gold medals (25) than cyclists of any other nationality.
In addition, ten local cyclists have won the Tour de France, making Belgium the country with the second most victories. In other words, the fact that Flanders has a thriving bicycle industry shouldn’t come as a surprise. Find out how your business can ride along with a legion of benefits.
An innovative bicycle industry ecosystem
Flanders offers a unique business and knowledge ecosystem for the bicycle industry that is unparalleled in Europe. It includes go-to organizations such as Flanders’ Bike Valley and its BikeVille incubator.
Cutting-edge research at Flanders’ Bike Valley
Flanders’ Bike Valley is a unique open innovation center for the cycling industry. Apart from dedicated research and technology, it is also the go-to organization for product development – thanks in particular to its one-of-a-kind wind tunnel for aerodynamic drag and turbulence measurements at the BikeVille incubator.
All the talent at hand
Flanders offers dedicated, highly specific education and training programs to foster promising talent in the bicycle industry. These include:
- Bachelor, master and research programs at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering of Ghent University;
- Unique education programs and research at the Bakala Academy of the University of Leuven.
- Talent Academy, created by Flanders’ Bike Valley, aims at spotting, coaching and developing young talent for cycling capacities and jobs that require expertise in aerodynamics or specific skills for manufacturing techniques.
Access to smart financing
Companies with or deciding to set up their activities or headquarters in Flanders can reap the rewards of:
- various government grants and subsidies for transformation, ecological, R&D and growth investments;
- unique tax incentives for various types of business activities and investments;
- a set of employment subsidies to further reduce your salary costs as well as fiscal remuneration advantages;
- a number of funding options to help you get off the ground.
Did you know...
- … Belgium, and Flanders as a region, is ranked 8th in the top manufacturing countries of bicycle parts and accessories within Europe?
- … Belgium is the 3rd-largest EU market for e-bikes?
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