Former Olympic and World Champion Anna van der Breggen and multiple Grand Tour stage winners André Greipel and Marcel Kittel join forces with Classified as investors and ambassadors.

Classified is proud to announce that the three former pro-cyclists: Anna Van der Breggen, André Greipel and Marcel Kittel, have come on board as investors bringing with them a wealth of insight and effectively bolstering the Belgian start-up company behind the Powershift hub technology.

“The first time I tried Powershift I just thought to myself: how is it possible?! It’s so fast, it’s unreal" - Anna Van Der Breggen

With 62 pro wins to her name and an impressive range of accolades that include an Olympic title, Anna van der Breggen is unquestionably one of the best cyclists of her generation. The Dutch former World Champion has recently retired as a pro-cyclist and made the transition to become a sports director for SD Worx women’s pro cycling team. Her interest in continuing to be involved in the next chapter of cycling history led her to Classified.

“I think Classified Powershift it’s a really big technological development. It shifts totally different from everything that I’m used to. It’s faster and very trustable. You can shift on any scenario, sitting down or standing up. It’s game-changing and I’m sure it will help professional cyclists in races but also amateurs,” said Anna van der Breggen. “The first time I tried Powershift I just thought to myself: how is it possible?! It’s so fast, it’s unreal. From that moment on I couldn’t wait to test it on a normal ride on my road bike.”

to Power·shift [Powershifting] {Verb}:
(also: the new benchmark in shifting gears)

1. To shift gears under full load within 150 milliseconds
2. Maintain valuable momentum during climbs and transitions, or before an attack

Classified’s unique 2 speed gear hub allows riders to jump through 46% percent of the gear range, or the equivalent of 2 or 3 rear derailleur shifts, within 150 milliseconds. As such, ‘Powershifting’ is quickly becoming the go to term for maintaining momentum on the trails.

Tests undertaken with pro riders showed a far greater use of the powershift hub gear as opposed to the rear derailleur, leading to an overwhelming increase of momentum through transitions.

André Greipel cemented himself as one of the greatest sprinters of all time, having amassed no less than 158 professional victories, including 22 Grand Tour stage wins. The German fast man recently called time on his illustrious 17-year career as a pro cyclist but is not slowing down. Speed knows speed and from the first moment Greipel tested the Classified Powershift technology he knew he wanted to be part of this journey and play a part in the future of cycling.

“After just five pedal strokes with the Powershift hub I decided I wanted to invest in Classified. I was very surprised with the system, in a positive way. I tested it on my own bike for a few months and I’m totally happy with the system,” said Greipel, who heralds improved speed as one of the main advantages of Classified Powershift technology. “For me one of the key benefits is the improved aerodynamics and the possibility of instantaneously change from the small to the big chainring without ever losing power on the pedals. This can be crucial in many situations, especially on a hilly time trial and classics where you have to shift constantly between the big and small chainrings."

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“For me one of the key benefits is the improved aerodynamics and the possibility of instantaneously change from the small to the big chainring without ever losing power on the pedals" - Andre Greipel“I invested in Classified because I believe in this technology, I believe in its advantages and, for the future, I think this will challenge the whole market" - Marcel Kittel

Also joining the ranks of Classified, as an investor and ambassador, is former sprint powerhouse Marcel Kittel, whose impressive sprinting pedigree saw him win 89 pro races, including 32 World Tour stages during his pro career.

Much like Greipel, Kittel was equally taken by the unique features of Powershift after a few pedal-strokes and swiftly decided to invest in Classified after test ridding the system at a venue last winter.

“Classified’s Powershift technology is, in my eyes, revolutionary because it’s very fast, very efficient and improves the aerodynamics of the bike. You keep the advantages of having a two gearing system on your bike but you shift even better because you can shift under full load. It’s a really strong package and it will, literally, shift the technology one level up when it comes to bike components. You can shift within milliseconds from one gear to another.” said Kittel.

“I invested in Classified because I believe in this technology, I believe in its advantages and, for the future, I think this will challenge the whole market. I believe everyone at Classified wants to reinvent the sport of cycling and push it even further.” concluded Kittel.

“I invested in Classified because I believe in this technology, I believe in its advantages and, for the future, I think this will challenge the whole market" - Marcel Kittel