Spring's approach brings brighter days, and it appears Campagnolo is emerging from its own period of darkness, perhaps the culmination of a difficult few years for the brand, which included an absence from the professional peloton, mixed reviews of the Super Record WR groupset, and what it calls inaccurate reports of mass redundancies.
Campagnolo released a statement this week, shared with a limited number of media outlets, including Cyclingnews, that provided an update on what has been going on at the Italian manufacturer and outlined what the future holds following internal restructuring.
From the outside looking in, it appears to have been a turbulent few years, or even longer, for Campagnolo. Its equipment isn't used in the men’s or women’s WorldTour pelotons, something that's at odds with the company's rich racing heritage.
Its focus on top-tier equipment for several years, and the decision to target the ‘sport luxury’ market segment, have generated a lot of online speculation. And the arrival of the Super Record WR groupset was met with mixed reviews.
However, Campagnolo's recent statement addressed some of the headlines that have circulated about the brand over the past few months.
"Some were partial, others simply inaccurate. Since then, many things have happened. And now is the right time to speak clearly about them.” Campagnolo's statement read.
These inaccuracies relate to the 'mass redundancy' news that spread at the end of last year, which cited layoffs affecting around 40% of the company's workforce, with sites in Italy and Romania.
The recent period has been very challenging for Campagnolo on several fronts. With talk of company relocation and redundancy, however, the brand confirmed to Cyclingnews that no employees had been made redundant.
Local media speculation following a meeting between two Italian trade unions and the Campagnolo board is what, it says, led to the 'mass redundancy' headlines.
The statement confirms that the company held an internal referendum and that it has arrived at a way forward that most staff are happy with. Internal restructuring has taken place, and a new industrial plan has been approved by the Campagnolo board and banks. The Campagnolo family, who still own the brand, have also invested funds into the company.
"Campagnolo has now reached an agreement with trade unions and social partners through a serious and shared process that also included an internal referendum. Seventy-seven per cent of employees expressed their support," the statement explained.
The agreement means that no employees, many of whom are locals at the Vicenza headquarters, will be laid off, but some will reduce their work flow during the week.
A spokesperson for the brand also told Cyclingnews that a Trade Union speaking to the press, presumably about possible solutions, led to the initial headlines.
"It was only the first conversation with the union. The union goes out and talks to the local press. The local press amplified the news. It was really difficult for us; we will try to start 2026 with stability," a spokesperson from Campagnolo told Cyclingnews.
The brand's statement also mentioned a company-wide change aimed at speeding up processes and creating opportunities for 'young talents'.
"Campagnolo is changing. The company is undergoing a deep internal reorganisation that affects both its structure and the way it works. The goal is to simplify, reduce decision-making layers, speed up processes, and give space to the young talents who are already part of the organisation."
Reading between the lines, it sounds like a change of guard is underway at the company; old and new mindsets need to work together to create a new atmosphere.
Campagnolo hasn't come right out and said it, but in some areas, the old way of doing things and a failure to keep up with the times may have contributed to recent hardships.
"The idea is to work with the internal young talent in all the departments, marketing, sales, and R&D, to have a new energy in the company," the brand's spokesperson told Cyclingnews, who agreed when we asked if old and new needed to come together. "We need to rebuild the culture of the people inside the company before we go outside."
The company is expected to introduce products at more accessible price points, and the brand confirmed that second-tier products will be available as early as next month.
"This is not the endpoint," the company's statement read. "This technological platform will soon be introduced at more accessible price points. This is a key step in strengthening Campagnolo’s presence in the market and in bringing our products back onto the bikes of the world’s leading manufacturers."
Campagnolo's 13-speed SR13 groupset appears to be turning the tide, too, receiving positive reviews and acclaim. Trickling this technology down to lower-tier groupsets and ensuring pricing is competitive could see the company's components being specced on more bikes by OEMs. It ultimately means more riders on Campagnolo equipment once again, surely a goal for the brand and a way to increase profits.
Campagnolo summed up their statement with additional insight into its goals for the coming years.
"We continue to build the future of cycling with genuine passion, respect for our history, and a clear focus on what lies ahead. Not only for business, but for love of this sport."
Campagnolo has said it's piece; now the work must begin. The brand wants to be back in cycling's top flight, and it sounds like talks with potential teams are ongoing. It is also working on having its equipment specced on more bikes from the off.
"We are a performance brand, not dreamers. We need a new range and more affordable prices. Product, pro teams and branding, these are our three pillars," the brand's spokesperson told Cyclingnews.
Campagnolo may have just come back from the brink. A new chapter is beginning; only time will tell if it can reclaim its place at the top.
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