Colnago’s new base at Al Hudayriyat Island comes two years after the Italian brand was acquired by Chimera Investments, the Abu Dhabi investment fund.
· The store, which includes a bespoke fitting centre, a range of esteemed bicycles and accessories, a café and restaurant, is part of Colnago’s long-term strategy to support Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision 2030 in promoting fitness and wellbeing.
· A launch event was held with attendance from Sheikha Madiya Bint Hasher Bin Manaa Al Maktoum, H.E. Matar Suhail Ali Al Yabhouni Al Daheri – UAE Team Emirates President, H.E Aref Al Awani – General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sport Council, Osama Al Shafar – UCI Vice President, AlNekhaira Alkhyeli – CEO of Abu Dhabi Cycling Club, Suliman Al Hammadi – Director of Al Wathba Cycling Club and distinguished guests joining Colnago CEO Nicola Rosin and elite riders from UAE Team Emirates and UAE Team ADQ.
Abu Dhabi, 22 October 2022: The ace of cycling, Colnago, supplier for UAE Team Emirates and UAE Team ADQ, has taken a major step in expanding its presence in the Middle East with the launch of its new flagship store in Abu Dhabi.
The opening of the venue on Al Hudayriyat Island comes two years after the landmark deal in May 2020 in which Colnago was acquired by Chimera Investments, a private equity company based in the UAE capital.
Combining hospitality, advanced technology and Colnago’s Italian heritage, the store is operated by world-renowned retailer, Wolfi’s who has been in partnership with Colnago as the sole distributor of the bicycles in the region. Including technology to design your very own Colnago bike, exclusive art installations, and heritage cycles, the location serves both amateur and professional riders within the emirate’s growing local cycling community.
For those looking to enjoy a taste of delicious Italian cuisine, there is a welcoming, ground floor caffé which serves fresh, savoury dishes including Grilled Taleggio & Zucchini Panini and Colnago Caprese; a range of sweets treats and of course different affogato options during opening hours.
With Abu Dhabi being a significant investor in the world’s most historic cycling brand, Colnago’s new flagship store aligns with the government’s long-term strategy of supporting the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 through fitness and wellbeing, with cycling playing a crucial role.
Formed in 1954, Colnago has established itself as one of the most prestigious bike manufacturers worldwide, supplying frames for professional teams UAE Team Emirates and UAE Team ADQ, the first UAE’s women’s World Tour side. Its pioneering and superior road cycling bikes have contributed to 62 world championships and more than 3,000 victories to date.
To mark the occasion, a launch function was held yesterday (21 October) which was attended by Colnago’s CEO, Nicola Rosin, VIPs and distinguished guests from the company’s partners. They were also joined by UAE Team Emirates’ Tadej Pogacar – two-time Tour de France champion, Juan Ayuso, plus Matteo Trentin, Joao Almeida and the UAE’s Yousif Mirza as well as UAE Team ADQ’s Safiya Al Sayegh, an Emirati professional rider, Sofia Bertizzolo, Laura Tomasi, and Eugenia Bujak – who were all given a tour of the stunning 10,000 square feet store.
Colnago CEO, Nicola Rosin, said: “As an organisation that prides itself in creating superior experiences through expertly crafted bicycles, the launch of our new store in Abu Dhabi represents another significant milestone in our journey at Colnago as we continue to build the brand worldwide.
“Colnago is more than a bicycle brand and this store has been carefully planned and designed to showcase the best of Colnago’s products and our rich heritage that we are proud of while offering distinctive hospitality experiences. We hope having this physical space in a city that is growing rapidly will help meet the needs of cycling enthusiasts in Abu Dhabi, enabling them to experience first-hand the products that have made us the ace of cycling.”
Mauro Gianetti, Team Principal and CEO of UAE Team Emirates said: “We are really pleased that Colnago has now opened its new store in Abu Dhabi as it means riders of all levels can experience these incredible bikes which offer superior performance. We think it shows the commitment and desire Colnago has in playing a central role to inspire people to cycle and be more active.”
Colnago is now open on Hudayriyat Island and is adjoined to Wolfi’s. Colnago’s Caffé is open from 7am to 11pm daily and the retail is open from 8am to 9pm daily. For more information visit colnago.com and colnagocaffe.com.
Ribbon Cutting Image Caption:
From left to right: Manolo Bertocchi, Head of Marketing at Colnago, Safiya Al Sayegh, UAE National Road and TT Champion and UAE Team ADQ rider, Wolfgang Hohmann, CEO of Wolfi’s, Tadej Pogacar, two times winner of Le Tour de France and UAE Team Emirates rider, H.E Matar Al Yabhouni, President of UAE Team Emirates, Sheikha Madiya Al Maktoum, Nicola Rosin, CEO of Colnago, Mauro Gianetti Team Principal & CEO of UAE Team Emirates and Sam Whittam, Chief Strategy & Growth Officer at Wolfi’s.
About Colnago
Colnago Ernesto & C. S.r.l., known as Colnago, is a manufacturer of high-end road-racing bicycles founded near Milano in Cambiago, Italy, in 1954. The company first became known for high quality steel framed bicycles suitable for the demanding environment of professional racing, and later as one of the more creative cycling manufacturers responsible for innovations in design and experimentation with new and diverse materials including carbon fibre, now a mainstay of modern bicycle construction. Among the many Colnago victories – 18 Olympic Gold Medals, 63 World Championships, 23 Grand Tours, 41 Classic Monuments – Tadej Pogačar won both the 2020 and 2021 editions of the Tour de France riding Colnago bikes.