Behind the Scenes of the Cycling Industry with Bike Connection Agency

We all see the new bikes, shiny components, product launches, press coverage and Instagram posts. But what happens behind the scenes? Who decides which journalists and creators get invited? How do brands launch a new product?  This week on Zone2Speak, I’m joined by Simon Cittati and Giulio Neri, co-founders of Bike Connection Agency, to go behind the curtain of the cycling industry. Since starting BCA in 2017, Simon and Giulio have built a business connecting bike brands with media, creators and the wider cycling community through events, communications, PR and their Bike Connection Platform. We talk about what really happens at a bike launch, what makes a good journalist or content creator, the sometimes complicated relationship between brands and media, the rise of creators, and how the cycling industry has changed over the years. A look at cycling from the other side of the handlebars. \--- Follow Bike Connection Agency: https://www.instagram.com/bikeconnectionagency/  Website: https://bikeconnectionagency.com/  \--- 🎁 Support Zone2Speak by shopping with these Discount Codes for Zone2Speak Listeners! Use code ZONE2SPEAK to save on top-tier performance and wellness products: ☀️ Pelotan – 20% off the ultimate sunscreen for athletes. Lightweight, breathable, and designed for endurance sports, it’s perfect for long days in the saddle. Get yours using code ZONE2SPEAK: Pelotan 🚴‍♂️ Cycplus Smart Pump – 10% off (plus 5% off everything else) A compact, powerful pump ideal for cyclists and endurance athletes. Use code ZONE2SPEAK: Cycplus 🛞 ICAN Carbon Wheels – 20% off High-performance carbon wheels for road, gravel, and adventure riding. I’ve just put the G30 700 wheels on my ENVE MOG and I’m absolutely in love with them! Use code ZONE2SPEAK for 20% off: ICAN Carbon Wheels 🕶️ Siroko – 10% off performance apparel designed for long rides, big adventures, and everything in between. From gravel to endurance racing, Siroko combines comfort, style, and technical performance for life on the bike. Use code ZONE2SPEAK for 10% off: Siroko ☕ Clearly Not Coffee – 10% off A functional blend of cacao, mushrooms, maca, and adaptogens for calm energy and focus. Use code ZONE2SPEAK: Clearly Not Coffee 🦸🏻‍♀️ Ultrahuman: Track sleep, fitness, cycles and blood markers to enhance healthspan and longevity: Ultrahuman | CODE: ZONE2SPEAK 🎧 Shokz Bone Conduction Headphones – £10 off Designed for situational awareness while training outdoors. Use code ZONE2SPEAK: Shokz 🔇 Loop Earplugs – 10% off Earplugs to reduce noise and control sensory overload to help you focus. Use code AFF\_ZONE2SPEAK10: Loop Earplugs 🌍 Down the Road – 15% off High-performance cycling apparel built for comfort and style. Use code ZONE2SPEAK: Down the Road 🧬 OLEUS – 20% off Science-backed supplements focused on performance, recovery, and overall well-being. Thoughtfully formulated to support active lifestyles. Use code ZONE\_0EYXDGB8CJSS: OLEUS 🥤 Nuzest – 15% off Clean, plant-based protein designed to support recovery and performance without artificial additives. Use code ZONE2SPEAK: Nuzest 🍃 Codeage – 10% off A leading supplement brand offering collagen, vitamins, liposomal blends, probiotics, and more. Use code ZONE2SPEAK: Codeage 🥣 Huel – Nutritionally complete meals. High-protein, plant-based meals packed with essential nutrients—perfect for busy athletes. Use code ZONE2SPEAK: Huel 💪 Save on top products to elevate your health, performance, and recovery! To all of my listeners, thank you for your continued support! Every time you use one of these links or codes, you’re helping support Zone2Speak and keep the podcast going ❤️ \--- Follow Zone2Speak Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zone2speak/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@zone2speakpodcast