Valkenburg Shimano Experience Centre opens doors to Dutch public
A new Shimano Experience Centre has officially opened in Valkenburg, in the Dutch province of Limburg, with a ceremony presided over by Taizo Shimano, Senior Executive Vice President of Shimano, and Marc van Rooij, President of Shimano Europe Group.
Shimano’s Experience Centres give consumers a unique opportunity to try out activities, get advice from experts and to learn about the company’s latest technologies. Guests are encouraged to touch, feel and try the latest products from Shimano and Pearl Izumi, and get a taster of the services offered by Bikefitting.com and Shimano Service Center workshops. Indoor virtual reality displays, simulators and workshops complement real-world test environments in and around Limburg’s countryside.
For longer multi-day tests, packages are available including bike hire, on-site meals and hotel accommodation in the wider Par’Course centre, which is due for full completion later in 2019.
A big focus for the Valkenburg centre will be on hosting groups, with an on-site coffee corner and presentation areas offering opportunities for events for schools, businesses and cycling clubs. It is now open for everyone, from serious sports enthusiasts to holiday makers and curious passers-by. Visitors are welcome seven days a week with no booking required.
Rob Damoiseaux, Shimano Experience Centre Manager, said: “The interest and enthusiasm we hear from local clubs and businesses has been incredible, there’s a real hunger for cycling, fishing and rowing in the region. I’m excited by what we’ve created here, and by what’s in store for the coming months. Above all I’m very proud to have assembled a great team who will give every visitor an enthusiastic welcome and personal attention.”
Marc van Rooij, president of Shimano Europe Group, added: “The most important goal of the centre is to offer all our retailers additional support for their customers when it comes to testing existing and new technologies. Nowadays it is impossible for the average retailer to have full test fleets of high-end road race, MTBs and e-bikes. Here we offer the opportunity to the consumer to test our latest technologies and to then help him or her find their nearest Shimano retailer.”
