CloseTheGap and UpShift Sports announce Business Development partnership

Mathijs Wagenaar and Phillip Lucas have announced a new export business development partnership for CloseTheGap through Lucas’ consulting entity UpShift Sports.

Wagenaar founded CloseTheGap in 2015 with the sleek HideMyBell: An out-front mount with an integrated bike bell, meaning cyclists no longer needed to choose between practicality and style. With 5 years of local manufacturing experience and product refinement under its belt, the brand now offers additional functional and minimalistic accessories, like mudguards and mirrors that look the part on pro bikes.

Having worked in Business Development for ROTOR and participating in establishing it as a global brand from 2005 to 2013, Lucas has since led several high-growth regional businesses unit projects through his consulting firm, helping to grow brands like Eddy Merckx USA and Niner Bikes EU to multiple millions in sales. By adding CloseTheGap to his portfolio of premium consulting clients like Gates Carbon Drive, Lucas continues his specialization with innovative, differentiated brands.

Lucas said: “CloseTheGap shows that practicality doesn’t need to be avoided to keep your bike looking sharp. I’m looking forward to offering cyclists worldwide a UD carbon out-front mount with a stealth bell that looks the part on Team Jumbo Visma’s bikes – plus many other accessories that will make riding safer and more comfortable.”