Gear & Grit Daily: December 02, 2025
Today's cycling news: Campagnolo confirms job losses as part of financial plan to "strengthen competitiveness and ensure sustainable growth", after...
Welcome back to Gear & Grit. While the Giro route planners are dreaming up ways to torture riders with the Finestre, the real drama is unfolding off the bike: Campagnolo's sweeping layoffs mark a sobering moment for one of cycling's most storied brands. Three years of losses have forced the Italian icon into drastic restructuring—a stark reminder that heritage alone doesn't pay the bills in today's market.
But it's not all doom: Remco's Red Bull move has tongues wagging, Chinese imports are flowing again, and the women's peloton gets its own date with gravel hell. Let's dig in.
⚡ Quick Hits
- [UPDATE] Campagnolo responds to layoff reports: Campagnolo confirms imminent workforce reduction amid financial pressures and relocation reports.
- Sorry Remco, the 2026 Giro has just one TT but plenty of climbing: 2026 Giro d'Italia route unveiled with single time trial and 50,000m climbing.
- [UPDATE] Giro shuts down talk of swapping with the Vuelta – 'We're not even going to think about the idea': Giro organizers reject calendar swap proposals with Vuelta amid ongoing Grand Tour scheduling debate.
- 2026 Giro d’Italia Route: 2026 Giro d'Italia route unveiled with Bulgarian Black Sea start.
- Industry veteran Tom Franges dies at 89: Tom Franges, influential bicycle industry veteran and legal advocate, dies at 89.
- US imports of Chinese bikes recover slightly amid uncertainty of Trump tariffs: US bicycle imports from China recover amid ongoing tariff uncertainty and economic policy concerns.
- Pon to appoint new CEO after 15 years under Smalbraak: Pon Holdings appoints new CEO after 25-year tenure under Smalbraak.
- [UPDATE] "Dangerous" and "disgraceful" cycle lane and zebra crossing terrifies residents; Simon Yates "would love to" return to Giro d'Italia as 2026 route unveiled; Cycling UK's 100 Women in Cycling announced + more on the live blog: Giro 2026 route unveiled, Simon Yates interest confirmed, Cycling UK celebrates 100 women cyclists.
📊 By The Numbers
- 40%: Campagnolo staff laid off after third year of heavy losses
- 50%: Tariff rate imposed on Indian bike imports to U.S.
- 3.8 million: Bikes imported from China to U.S. through August 2025
📰 Today's Big Stories
Campagnolo confirms job losses as part of financial plan to "strengthen competitiveness and ensure sustainable growth", after report 40% of staff laid off in response to third year of heavy losses
Campagnolo Cuts Jobs Amid Financial Struggles
Legendary Italian component maker Campagnolo has confirmed significant layoffs as part of a restructuring plan, with reports suggesting up to 40% of staff have been let go. The move follows three consecutive years of heavy losses, forcing the 91-year-old brand to implement what it calls a "highly structured plan" to restore competitiveness and ensure long-term viability. Despite the cuts, Campagnolo insists its "made in Italy" commitment remains intact.
Why it matters: Campagnolo's struggles signal broader challenges facing traditional component manufacturers in an increasingly competitive market dominated by Shimano and SRAM. While the brand maintains cult status among enthusiasts, these drastic cuts raise questions about its ability to innovate and compete at the highest levels. For cyclists loyal to Campy's distinctive shifting feel and Italian heritage, the news is concerning—but the company's survival plan may be necessary to keep the brand alive at all.
The women's Giro will tackle the Finestre for the first time ever in 2026
## Women's Giro Tackles Legendary Finestre in 2026
The 2026 Giro d'Italia Women will make history by including the Colle delle Finestre for the first time. The legendary gravel climb—infamous for its brutal 18.5km ascent and unpaved final section—has been a defining feature of the men's race but has never appeared in the women's route until now.
This matters because it signals genuine parity in course design. The Finestre isn't just difficult; it's iconic—the same moonscape where Froome launched his legendary 2018 attack. Including it in the women's race proves organizers are finally willing to challenge female riders with the same terrain that defines Grand Tour racing. It's a statement that women's cycling deserves courses built for spectacle and suffering, not watered-down versions of the men's routes. Expect fireworks on those white gravel roads.
The Giro d’Italia Just Put a Fearsome Climb on the 2026 Route
Giro d'Italia 2026: Brutal Climbs and TT Specialists Welcome
The 2026 Giro d'Italia route has been unveiled, featuring multiple fearsome climbs that promise to make it a true test of mountaineering prowess. The parcours also includes a lengthy time trial, a strategic addition that could lure GC contenders with strong TT capabilities to the Italian Grand Tour.
This route design matters because it shifts the balance of power. The combination of savage climbing and significant time trialing creates opportunities for complete riders—think Pogačar or Evenepoel types—rather than pure climbers. For fans, it means aggressive racing and potential for major time gaps. For riders eyeing pink in Milan, the 2026 route demands both mountain legs and aerodynamic speed, making team selection and race preparation critical well in advance.
Chinese bike imports rebounded in August following pause
Chinese Bike Imports Surge Amid Tariff Chaos
U.S. bike imports from China rebounded sharply in July and August after plummeting earlier in 2025, as importers rushed to beat threatened tariff increases. The August 11 U.S.-China tariff truce left rates lower than feared at 10% (plus existing tariffs), making Chinese bikes more competitive again versus alternatives like Cambodia and Vietnam. Meanwhile, India—briefly seen as a viable source for budget bikes—saw imports collapse after facing 50% tariffs, including penalties for buying Russian oil.
Why It Matters: This tariff whiplash is wreaking havoc on bike availability and pricing. Wild import swings mean unpredictable inventory at your local shop, and the cost chaos will likely hit consumers' wallets. Cambodia remains the top supplier by dollar value year-to-date, but China still dominates by unit count—meaning the budget bike market remains heavily dependent on Chinese manufacturing, tariffs or not.
Giro d’Italia Women 2026 Ends Tour de France Clash and Tackles the Finestre
Giro d'Italia Women Moves to June, Adds Legendary Climb
The 2026 Giro d'Italia Women has shifted its calendar slot to June, finally eliminating the scheduling conflict with the Tour de France that has plagued women's cycling. The route features a marquee showdown on the Colle delle Finestre, one of cycling's most iconic gravel climbs, signaling organizers' commitment to creating a Grand Tour worthy of the sport's top talent.
Why It Matters: This is huge for women's cycling. The calendar clash forced fans, media, and sponsors to choose between races, diluting coverage and attention for both. Now the Giro Women gets its own spotlight, while the Finestre inclusion—a climb rarely featured even in the men's race—shows organizers are serious about delivering world-class racing. Expect better viewership, more sponsor interest, and a route that will genuinely test the peloton's best climbers.
🎙️ Fresh Ears
- Is Remco to Red Bull the biggest cycling transfer... EVER? | Watts Occurring: Podcast discusses major cycling team transfers including Remco to Red Bull and Decathlon's nine-rider signing.
- S13 Ep154: Bulgar Treat?: 2026 Giro d'Italia route analysis: Bulgaria hosts, GC contenders discussed, legacy review.
- All Bodies on Bikes - Marley Blonsky: Podcast on body-inclusive cycling communities and joyful movement with All Bodies on Bikes co-founder.
