In today's increasingly transversal and constantly evolving cycling, Classified presents the Classified Collective, a project that unites athletes, creators and enthusiasts to tell the story of cycling beyond the boundaries of individual disciplines.
It's not a team in the traditional sense of the term. The Classified Collective was born rather as an open space, where different approaches to cycling coexist. Competition remains important, but it's no longer the sole focus of the narrative. Alongside the races, there's also room for travel, exploration, and personal storytelling.
It reflects a broader shift. Cycling is no longer just pure performance. It's experience, identity, freedom. And in this scenario, technology ceases to be an end in itself, becoming a means to improve every ride, regardless of level or discipline.
The eight faces of the Collective
The project is shaped by eight different profiles, yet united by a common sensibility.
There is Toby Perry, accustomed to racing at the highest levels in the gravel, and there is Allan Shaw, which transforms every long distance into a story to share. Chris hall brings a more exploratory perspective, where adventure becomes an integral part of the experience.
From the world of triathlon come Lizzie Rayner and Hanne De Vet , athletes accustomed to working on the details, where even the smallest gains can make a difference. Cormac Nisbet , a young talent with professional ambitions, also steps into this direction .
Completing the picture are Kirstine Frida Rysbjerg , who will give voice to the Collective through a dedicated podcast, and Katrien De Smet , a symbol of a cycling made of resistance, travel and human depth.
Beyond the Numbers: The Value of Stories
The Collective's common thread isn't the result. It's what happens around you. The sensations, the moments, the contradictions. Winning and losing. Feeling alone or part of something.
In an era where content is often filtered and standardized, the idea is to return to a more authentic dimension. Stories become central —not as constructions, but as real experiences. At the same time, the project also has a concrete function. The Collective members test the products, use them in different contexts, and provide feedback. It's an ongoing dialogue between those who develop the technology and those who experience it every day.
Technology and development
Behind all this is the vision of Mathias Plouvier – CEO & Co-Founder of Classified Cycling – who aims to maintain direct contact with the real world of cycling.
Classified has established itself as one of the most innovative companies in the transmission industry in recent years. Powershift technology is the most concrete example: fast, reliable shifting, integrated into simpler and lighter systems, without sacrificing performance.
The company works closely with international partners, developing solutions for road bikes, gravel ed e-bike high-end. Integration with electronic platforms such as Shimano Di2 represents just one step in a constantly evolving journey. At the same time, development is looking ahead. New transmissions for e-bike, more compact systems, integrated architectures designed for next-generation platforms…
The Classified Collective is, first and foremost, a beginning. A different way of telling the story of cycling and, at the same time, building the brand's future. There isn't just one way to experience cycling . There are many paths, often very different from each other. The purpose of the project lies precisely here: to connect them. And to demonstrate that, ultimately, they are all part of the same story.
