Cyclocross legend Roland Liboton receives E-GRIFN with tricolour via our dealer Smartwheels

Cyclocross legend Roland Liboton received a remarkable surprise last weekend at the Bocholt-based bike specialist Smartwheels. He was presented with an E-GRIFN featuring a unique custom design. The occasion marked both Liboton’s 69th birthday and the tenth anniversary of Smartwheels. The initiative was brought together by entrepreneur Davy De Ceuster, who works with Liboton as an advisor for the De Ceuster Bouwpunt Cycling Team.

Throughout his career, Liboton became Belgian cyclocross champion ten years in a row and also claimed five world titles, including one (1978) in the amateur category. The cyclocross legend, now living in Lier, is considered one of the greatest figures in the sport. He remains highly active, as shown by his participation in the VRT programme Eeuwige Roem. However, he had been without a bike for a year and felt the urge to start riding again.

Collaboration

That was all Juan Eerlings of Smartwheels, Davy and we as a bike manufacturer needed to make it happen. Liboton was therefore given an E-GRIFN, allowing him to maintain the authentic cycling feel while benefiting from a small boost on the toughest sections.

This E-GRIFN also pays tribute to the rich career of the Belgian legend. The top tube features the colours of the Belgian tricolour, while the seat tube includes a reference to his world titles. Thanks to our in-house paint facility, it is possible to create such bespoke designs for iconic riders.

For Liboton, the E-GRIFN will also make it possible to join rides as an advisor with the riders of the De Ceuster Bouwpunt Cycling Team. This winter, riders such as Denise Betsema and Laura Verdonschot competed for the team. They too race on Ridley bikes. At Ridley, we are very proud of this collaboration and wish Roland many enjoyable kilometres on his new E-GRIFN.

Archive photo Liboton: Photo News

E-Grifn

Go further, longer, and higher!

The first sporty e-bike from the brand. Thanks to the Mahle X20 drive unit, the E-Grifn feels very natural. You can choose from three levels of bike assistance. The Mahle X20 motor provides up to 250 watts of additional support with a torque comparable to that of a 55 newton meter mid-motor. We opted for the battery with the largest capacity (350Wh), and there is the possibility to expand it further with a 171Wh range extender.

Discover the E-Grifn