Tubular tyre specialist A. Dugast acquired by Vittoria

Vittoria has announced the acquisition of Dutch bicycle tyre maker A. Dugast, a renowned supplier with ties to numerous world champion cyclists.

“By uniting know-how and capabilities, A. Dugast and Vittoria will develop ever-more advanced and innovative products, ridden by winners,” read the statement issued yesterday.

As part of the deal A. Dugast Managing Director Richard Nieuwhuis will obtain a minority share stake in the Vittoria Group. Nieuwhuis will become part of the Vittoria structure in a role that oversees the acquired label.

Richard Nieuwhuis comments: “In Vittoria Group we have found a partner with whom we can achieve great things for the future of A. Dugast and our products for athletes. I am thrilled to be able to contribute to the innovative drive of the team.”

The pairing will hand Vittoria fresh expertise in the product processes behind the creation of cotton and silk tubulars, something on which A. Dugast has built a reputation as an industry expert for the creation of performance tyres.

Stijn Vriends, President and CEO of Vittoria Group, comments: “We are extremely proud to work with Richard to make the A. Dugast product range even richer and find the next levels of performance and sustainability in bicycle tyres together.”

A. Dugast’s production facilities in the Netherlands will remain operational in a bid to assure a balanced production footprint for the whole Vittoria Group.

“Vittoria’s activities in Italy and Thailand will benefit from the innovative power of A. Dugast, in bringing new experiences to riders,” added the statement.

Thanks to the addition of the Dutch factory, Vittoria’s customers, it is said, will be served with special products and limited series upon request, giving the group more agility in the marketplace. As a first example, the group will create an exclusive hand-made limited-edition tubular for “L’Eroica” that will be presented shortly, to celebrate the start of this new phase.

Richard Plugge, managing director of the Jumbo-Visma’s cycling teams, comments the news: “We have worked successfully with both A. Dugast and Vittoria for many years, and have been able to count on their excellent products and support for our riders. Just this year, riders like Wout Van Aert and Marianne Vos have won many races in cyclocross and road races using cotton tyres from both brands. We are pleased that this partnership will further develop Dutch cycling excellence in an international group.”

In 2020, Vittoria took private equity investment to assist in a bid to reshuffle its supply chain, in tandem announcing the build a €7 million, state-of-the-art office, warehouse and test centre in Bergamo.