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Kevin ‘Panda’ Panhuyzen partners with Fietsen Storms and Ridley

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This year, the gravel peloton will see a truly local partnership in action. Gravel specialist Kevin Panhuyzen will tackle many iconic classics aboard our acclaimed ASTR RS. This collaboration is made possible thanks to Fietsen Storms. Panhuyzen will make his debut in the new colours this weekend at Santa Vall.

Kevin Panhuyzen from Peer is a former professional mountain biker. After a heavy crash at the World Championships in Canada in 2019, he discovered gravel. Following a long rehabilitation, the focus shifted more towards enjoyment, but his talent clearly remained. At the end of 2022, he immediately qualified for the World Championships in Houffalize and became amateur world champion thanks to a late attack. In doing so, he found his way back into professional cycling. Today, everyone knows him as ‘the Panda’ — a playful nod to his name.

PandaTrail

In recent years, Panhuyzen has reached impressive milestones. He stood on the podium at The Gralloch (2023), finished 10th at the European Championships (2023), 15th at the World Championships (2024), and added podium finishes at Marly Grav (2025), Rad am Ring (2025) and Houffa Gravel (2025). In 2025, he also finished 13th in his very first Cape Epic — an unforgettable experience. This year, Kevin chooses Ridley, a partnership made possible in part by Fietsen Storms.

Fietsen Storms from Herselt, run by Glenda and Nick, represents nearly 20 years of experience. Ridley holds a prominent place within their extensive range. Kevin rides, among others, a custom Raft RS for the Cape Epic and an ASTR RS for gravel racing. On Sunday April 12, together with Fietsen Storms, he will also host the PandaTrail — a beautiful tour ride through the region of Meerhout, Olmen and Heppen, offering a choice of several gravel and road routes. The perfect opportunity to get to know course designer Kevin and his team better.

ASTR RS

The new standard for performance gravel

The ASTR RS is a high-end racing gravel bike that combines aerodynamics and light weight to meet all the needs of the modern gravel circuit. With a tyre clearance of 52 millimetres (1x setup), you are armed for the roughest terrain on the ASTR RS. The accompanying geometry stands for stability and speed.

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Raft XC

Raft XC

The lightweight Raft XC is a full suspension MTB with 100mm suspension travel. Its 100mm rear suspension is designed with performance in mind, a remote lock out lets you sprint with direct power transfer to the rear wheel. The agile handlebars and steep seat angle guarantee razor-sharp handling and power transfer. Thanks to the longer wheelbase and slacker headtube angle, you won't lose time on descents either.

Discover the Raft XC
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Frederik Engels and Jurgen De Witte conquer the Brasil Ride Bahia

Frederik Engels and Jurgen De Witte conquer the Brasil Ride Bahia

It is an adventure that demands everything: strength, perseverance and character. For seven days, riders brave the tropical wilderness of Brazil and push themselves to the limit. When Jurgen De Witte heard about this challenge, he did not hesitate for a second. One phone call to Frederik Engels, who already had his Ridley Raft XC prepared, was all it took. The adventure could begin, heading for Brazil, for seven days of suffering and joy.

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Freshly crowned world champion Delano Heeren receives X-Night RS in ‘rainbow design’

Freshly crowned world champion Delano Heeren receives X-Night RS in ‘rainbow design’

This Wednesday afternoon, we welcomed some “distinguished guests” at the Experience Center of Belgian Cycling Factory. Freshly crowned Junior Cyclo-cross World Champion Delano Heeren (16) was honoured following his impressive “golden” race on Sunday morning. Ridley also presented the Dutch rider from Acrog-Tormans with a brand-new X-Night RS in ‘rainbow design’. “I think it’s a really beautiful bike,” said the surprised world champion with a big smile.