Campagnolo, the storied Italian component manufacturer renowned for its rich history in professional cycling, has announced its return to the UCI WorldTour in 2025, a move that has generated excitement within the cycling community. The company has signed a four-year partnership with Team Cofidis, which allows it to showcase its state-of-the-art components at the highest level of sport. This deal re-establishes Campagnolo’s prominent presence in the peloton, where it can once again innovate and refine its products in competitive settings.
As part of this partnership, Team Cofidis will be equipped with Campagnolo’s premium offerings, notably the Super Record Wireless groupset and Bora Ultra WTO wheels. The Super Record Wireless, launched in May 2023, incorporates larger chainrings that cater to the demands of elite racing, enhancing speed and efficiency. The Bora Ultra WTO wheels, available in both 45mm and 60mm rim heights, provide a remarkable balance of aerodynamics and weight savings, critical attributes for any professional cycling team. This equipment is designed not only to perform under the pressures of top-tier competition but also to serve as a platform for Campagnolo to continually develop and test its technologies.
The historical significance of this partnership cannot be overstated. Campagnolo has been a mainstay in cycling since its inception in 1933, famously equipping champions and contributing to numerous victories in prestigious races, including the Tour de France. However, since 2024, the brand had been absent from the WorldTour after concluding its partnership with Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale. The collaboration with Team Cofidis thus marks a pivotal moment for Campagnolo, allowing it to return to its roots in high-level racing where it can gather invaluable feedback from professional athletes.
Team Cofidis has also opted to continue using Look bikes, further enhancing the synergy between performance and design with Campagnolo components. The Look 795 Blade RS road bike and the Look 796 Monoblade RS time trial bike will support the team's ambitious racing goals. This collaboration exemplifies the hard work and thorough testing that goes into the equipment used by professional cyclists, as Campagnolo's engineers, Look's product managers, and Cofidis' mechanics work closely to ensure optimal performance.
Yet, while this partnership is promising, challenges lie ahead. Team Cofidis finds itself in a precarious position within the UCI ranking system. As of the latest standings, the team is currently ranked 20th with 7,889.8 points, needing to improve significantly to secure a spot among the top 18 teams in the WorldTour. With fierce competition from other teams, including Arkéa-B&B Hotels and Uno-X Mobility, Cofidis will have to leverage its talent and now its top-tier equipment to climb the rankings. The UCI's relegation/promotion cycle poses an ever-present risk, making performance in the coming seasons critical for both the team's survival and Campagnolo's reestablishment in the professional cycling landscape.
The return of Campagnolo to the WorldTour also heralds a new chapter in innovation. The brand has been actively developing new products, including a redesigned shift lever featuring a revival of the beloved thumb shifter, a nod to nostalgic cycling enthusiasts. This shift lever not only pays homage to Campagnolo's legacy but also addresses modern-day demands for seamless and efficient gear changes. Enthusiasts and competitors alike can look forward to seeing these innovations debut at early-season races and team camps.
As the cycling industry evolves, the competition remains fierce, with Shimano and SRAM dominating the market in recent years. Campagnolo's return signals its commitment to regain ground and innovate further. The collaboration with Team Cofidis is not just about providing components; it’s about reestablishing a brand that has historically shaped the sport and continues to inspire cyclists around the globe.
Campagnolo's storied history is filled with iconic moments, and its resurgence into the professional arena is a testament to its resilience. The partnership with Team Cofidis symbolizes not only a strategic move for the brand but also a revival of its spirit and legacy in competitive cycling. As the 2025 season approaches, both the team and Campagnolo will aim to reclaim their place at the forefront of the sport, showcasing cutting-edge technology combined with a rich heritage in performance cycling. The outcome of this partnership may very well redefine the landscape of cycling components and signal a new era for Campagnolo in the world of elite racing.
As part of this partnership, Team Cofidis will be equipped with Campagnolo’s premium offerings, notably the Super Record Wireless groupset and Bora Ultra WTO wheels. The Super Record Wireless, launched in May 2023, incorporates larger chainrings that cater to the demands of elite racing, enhancing speed and efficiency. The Bora Ultra WTO wheels, available in both 45mm and 60mm rim heights, provide a remarkable balance of aerodynamics and weight savings, critical attributes for any professional cycling team. This equipment is designed not only to perform under the pressures of top-tier competition but also to serve as a platform for Campagnolo to continually develop and test its technologies.
The historical significance of this partnership cannot be overstated. Campagnolo has been a mainstay in cycling since its inception in 1933, famously equipping champions and contributing to numerous victories in prestigious races, including the Tour de France. However, since 2024, the brand had been absent from the WorldTour after concluding its partnership with Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale. The collaboration with Team Cofidis thus marks a pivotal moment for Campagnolo, allowing it to return to its roots in high-level racing where it can gather invaluable feedback from professional athletes.
Team Cofidis has also opted to continue using Look bikes, further enhancing the synergy between performance and design with Campagnolo components. The Look 795 Blade RS road bike and the Look 796 Monoblade RS time trial bike will support the team's ambitious racing goals. This collaboration exemplifies the hard work and thorough testing that goes into the equipment used by professional cyclists, as Campagnolo's engineers, Look's product managers, and Cofidis' mechanics work closely to ensure optimal performance.
Yet, while this partnership is promising, challenges lie ahead. Team Cofidis finds itself in a precarious position within the UCI ranking system. As of the latest standings, the team is currently ranked 20th with 7,889.8 points, needing to improve significantly to secure a spot among the top 18 teams in the WorldTour. With fierce competition from other teams, including Arkéa-B&B Hotels and Uno-X Mobility, Cofidis will have to leverage its talent and now its top-tier equipment to climb the rankings. The UCI's relegation/promotion cycle poses an ever-present risk, making performance in the coming seasons critical for both the team's survival and Campagnolo's reestablishment in the professional cycling landscape.
The return of Campagnolo to the WorldTour also heralds a new chapter in innovation. The brand has been actively developing new products, including a redesigned shift lever featuring a revival of the beloved thumb shifter, a nod to nostalgic cycling enthusiasts. This shift lever not only pays homage to Campagnolo's legacy but also addresses modern-day demands for seamless and efficient gear changes. Enthusiasts and competitors alike can look forward to seeing these innovations debut at early-season races and team camps.
As the cycling industry evolves, the competition remains fierce, with Shimano and SRAM dominating the market in recent years. Campagnolo's return signals its commitment to regain ground and innovate further. The collaboration with Team Cofidis is not just about providing components; it’s about reestablishing a brand that has historically shaped the sport and continues to inspire cyclists around the globe.
Campagnolo's storied history is filled with iconic moments, and its resurgence into the professional arena is a testament to its resilience. The partnership with Team Cofidis symbolizes not only a strategic move for the brand but also a revival of its spirit and legacy in competitive cycling. As the 2025 season approaches, both the team and Campagnolo will aim to reclaim their place at the forefront of the sport, showcasing cutting-edge technology combined with a rich heritage in performance cycling. The outcome of this partnership may very well redefine the landscape of cycling components and signal a new era for Campagnolo in the world of elite racing.