German bicycle industry associations ZIV – German Bicycle Industry (ZIV) and Zukunft Fahrrad (ZF) have announced they are ceasing their cooperation with fairnamic GmbH and Eurobike. Meanwhile the ISPO trade show has just announced its move from Munich to Amsterdam as per 2026.
Following its 33rd edition late last June, Eurobike faced strong headwinds from exhibitors and visitors alike. From the industry’s perspective the main issue was the fact that higher costs to exhibit at Messe Frankfurt were not offset with more business. As for trade visitors, bicycle retailers were not happy to see ticket prices go up while more and more important brands skipped the event. The fact that major players such as Germany’s Zweirad Einkaufs Genossenschaft (ZEG) and Bike & Co skipped 2025’s Eurobike and opted instead for their own in-house events already cut into the substance of this year’s show. It now appears this was just the beginning of the event’s troubles.
On October 30, ZIV – German Bicycle Industry (ZIV) and Zukunft Fahrrad (ZF) announced their decision to terminate cooperation with fairnamic GmbH. The decision was preceded by an intensive joint feedback process between these two associations and their members immediately after this year’s trade fair. The result was a 10-point plan for Eurobike 2026, which served as the basis for discussions with the trade fair. According to the trade associations, these talks with Eurobike failed to achieve a satisfactory result. As a result, both associations will end their cooperation and will not participate in Eurobike 2026.
“The members of Zukunft Fahrrad and ZIV – German Bicycle Industry have formulated clear ideas about the necessary structural and content-related adjustments. Unfortunately, we do not see any realistic chance of achieving these,” explained Ulrich Prediger, CEO of Zukunft Fahrrad and Founder of JobRad. Bernhard Lange, ZIV – German Bicycle Industry Presidium Member and Managing Partner of Paul Lange GmbH und Co. KG, said: “After intensive discussions with the shareholders of Eurobike, we have decided to end the cooperation. We could not see that both shareholders were equally committed to supporting the measures that would be necessary to make the trade fair fit for the future of the bicycle industry.”
Claus Fleischer, Board Member of ZIV – German Bicycle Industry and CEO of Bosch eBike Systems weighs in as well: “The industry expects fundamental changes as a prerequisite and a clear signal for a successful future for Eurobike – we do not see this in the outcome.” Dirk Zedler, Board Member of Zukunft Fahrrad and Founder and Managing Director of the Zedler Group emphasised: “We did not take this joint decision lightly and we very much regret that it is necessary. It is important that we now create clarity for all sides.”
Both associations are now looking ahead with determination according to Wasilis von Rauch, Managing Director of Zukunft Fahrrad: “The demand among our members for a strong joint platform remains high. We are, therefore, continuing the close dialogue we have begun with our companies and partner associations.” Burkhard Stork, Managing Director of ZIV – German Bicycle Industry, said: “We will move forward with the process very quickly. The issue of an industry platform needs to be resolved in a forward-looking manner, as we all recognise the enormous political and economic challenges facing our industry.”
This has not been the only bombshell hitting the bicycle industry and the tradeshow ecosystem this week, as the move of the ISPO show from Munich to Amsterdam for its 2026 edition was announced two days earlier. This means that the upcoming ISPO will be the final event of its kind held in cooperation with Messe Munich. It remains to be seen if a major reshuffle of venues and shows is going to happen within Europe and if a new format will emerge from this that attracts both a relevant number of exhibitors and bicycle retailers to make the investment worthwhile.