TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taipei Cycle and the Taiwan International Sports & Fitness Show opened on Wednesday at the Nankang Exhibition Center, attracting exhibitors from 80 countries.
James Huang (黃志芳), chair of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council, said the scale of the two exhibitions grew this year, attracting 1,200 exhibitors, with 4,350 booths. Huang said the number of exhibitors shows Taiwan is an important player in the global supply chain for high-end bicycles, sports and fitness equipment, per UDN.
Huang said that in addition to well-known brands like Merida, Giant, KMC, and Shimano, there are two major national pavilions, the European Pavilion and the Japanese Pavilion. According to Huang, international exhibitors at Taipei Cycle account for 20% of the total.
Tapie Cycle’s theme is “Ride the Revolution,” and key focus areas include innovation momentum and smart riding. Huang said many exhibitors were optimistic about electric bicycles that incorporate new technologies.
For example, Bike Vision features 11 international bicycle startup teams from six countries, covering areas such as electrification, sustainable development, and disruptive business models. Before the exhibition, a pitch and demo event was held that showcased innovative technologies and business models.
Another startup event, Vision Salon, invited industry leaders, Specialized Bicycles Vice President Bob Margevicius and Acer eMobility Business Director Jake Tsai (蔡傑智). They discussed transformative business opportunities, supply chain principles, and industry trends.
As for other sports and fitness products, Taiwan International Sports & Fitness Show, or TAISPO, is entering its 50th year with well-known domestic manufacturers present, including fitness equipment giants Johnson and Dyaco. Exhibitors are keeping an eye on the diversification of the indoor fitness market, such as the Pilates equipment that has become popular across Europe, America, and Asia.
Underwater sports are also featured, with 18 exhibitors offering diving equipment and underwater photography equipment. Well-known bathroom products brand HCG launched its Lazuli brand, featuring top-quality carbon diving fins. The company is a first-time exhibitor at the trade show.
A startup zone, “Sport-bilities,” invited 11 new entrepreneurs from Taiwan and abroad to present their latest innovations in sports injury prevention, smart weight training, and outdoor location tracking.
TAISPO will also host sports and fitness industry forums discussing everything from the latest gym layouts in Europe and Asia-Pacific markets to deepening membership relationships. Speakers will include Watson Gym Equipment Asia Pacific CEO Robert Sawhney and European Sporting Goods Retailers Federation Executive Director Michael Nendwich.
Taipei Cycle forums will address topics such as "Beyond Biking to Win," inviting representatives from international events such as the KOM Mountain Race, Giro d'Italia, and Grand Cycle Tokyo to discuss topics such as brand value-added, and local impact. Representatives of the events will also discuss how cities can use sports events to usher in a new chapter of tourism and environmental sustainability.
