News
LOUISVILLE, KY (BRAIN) — A Belgium software company, AFAS Software, has stepped up as a major sponsor of the UCI Cyclocross World Championships, to be held here the first weekend of next month.

COSTA MESA, CA (BRAIN) — Bicycle Retailer and Industry News has officially handed off its long running Top 100 and Gold Star retailer recognition program to the National Bicycle Dealers Association. This year the NBDA will manage the annual list under the title, "America’s Best Bike Shops."

POZZOLEONE, Italy (BRAIN) — Later this year Fizik plans to launch a line of cockpit components, including handlebars, stems and seatposts. In the meantime, the Italian brand is testing its new parts with the French World Tour team, Ag2r-La Mondiale.
LEXINGTON, SC (BRAIN) — Hawley has added industry veteran Charlie Sachsel to its Northern California account manager force.

DENVER, CO (BRAIN) — Six bike companies — perhaps to be joined soon by a few more — are co-habitating in a Denver building, creating a destination hotspot for area bikers.
Dear Lance,
So you’ve finally decided to speak out. Frankly, it’s not before time and I trust the hype, preparation and anticipation will be worth it. In fairness, by choosing to undertake a broadcast interview with Oprah Winfrey you have certainly guaranteed visibility for your much-awaited response.

LAGUNA BEACH, CA (BRAIN) — The Crankbrothers Race Club is a two-woman team for 2013 and has picked up several new sponsors including Scott Bikes.
BOULDER, CO (BRAIN) — Sales at IBDs bounced back in November after October declines, with overall annual sales remaining on track for a record 2012, according sell-through data from the Bicycle Product Suppliers Association and Leisure Trends Group.

VANCOUVER, BC (BRAIN) — Kickstarter.com continues to be a popular tool for innovators in the bike industry, who increasingly are using the crowd-funding site to complement other investment possibilities.
MOORPARK, CA (BRAIN) — Sugoi has expanded its North American sales rep force by 15 percent, the company announced.

BEAVERTON, OR (BRAIN) — Yakima Products Inc. has Sandi Lennehan to chief financial officer.
PORTLAND, OR (BRAIN) — Indoor bike park The Lumberyard MTB will host its inaugural Sugar Showdown Women’s Weekend, a riding instruction event and competition for female riders of all skill levels, from Jan. 25-27.
LAGUNA HILLS, CA (BRAIN) — Bicycle Retailer international editor Nicole Formosa is leaving to join Bike magazine as managing editor. Her last day with BRAIN will be Jan. 18.