Bosch eBike Systems has confirmed it will not exhibit at Eurobike 2026, throwing the future of the world’s biggest cycling trade show into further doubt.
The news, reported by Bike Europe, follows yesterday’s coordinated exit by Germany’s two most influential trade bodies – ZIV (Die Fahrradindustrie) and Zukunft Fahrrad (Future Bicycle) – after talks with the show’s organisers failed to deliver agreement on reforms.
- Read more: Eurobike's future in doubt as two key partners pull out of world’s biggest cycling trade show
In a statement to Bike Europe, Bosch said it supported the associations’ decision, taken after “extensive discussions with the shareholders of Eurobike”.
Claus Fleischer, Bosch eBike Systems CEO and a ZIV board member, said the company no longer saw the “fundamental changes” required for a “successful future for Eurobike”.
The decision ends Bosch’s long-running significant presence at the show, and casts doubt over the future involvement of Paul Lange & Co – Shimano’s German distributor and one of Eurobike’s founding exhibitors.
Speaking to Bike Europe, Bernhard Lange – managing partner of Paul Lange – said his company was still evaluating its options: “We are in the process of analysing today’s press release and corresponding planning for 2026. Of course, the decision of ZIV and Zukunft Fahrrad, as well as the preceding talks with the show organisers, will influence our own participation, including its dimensions and form.”
ZIV and Zukunft Fahrrad had jointly presented a 10-point plan outlining proposed changes to Eurobike’s structure and focus, intended to make the show more relevant to the trade.
The associations said discussions with Eurobike’s organisers had failed to produce a shared vision, prompting their withdrawal.
Bosch’s exit, coupled with Paul Lange’s uncertainty, marks another serious blow to Eurobike’s viability, and comes against a backdrop of growing doubts over the show’s relevance.
Eurobike has struggled to maintain its dominance since relocating from Friedrichshafen to Frankfurt in 2022. Visitor and exhibitor numbers have continued to decline, and several global brands – including Specialized, Scott and SRAM – have already pulled out.
WTB's James Heaton told BikeRadar growing doubts over the viability of the show don't come as a surprise: "With the digital world holding increasingly greater importance, I think companies are questioning whether events like Eurobike are still bringing the return on investment they once were, or whether budget is better spent elsewhere."
One mid-sized brand we spoke to at this year’s event drew similar conclusions, saying it might not return next year because the show would cost it around $100,000 all-in. This, it said, was money that could be better spent running an event focused solely on its own brand.
