MILAN, Jan. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As the 2026 season approaches, professional cycling enters a new phase of global collaboration. Elitewheels, together with its sister brand evolve, continues its partnership with UCI ProTeam Solution Tech – NIPPO – Rali, aiming to push performance, innovation, and international recognition to the next level.
A Stronger Second Year, Bigger Ambitions
After a successful debut season in 2025, Elitewheels renews its support for the team as it targets a potential Grand Tour future. Alongside Elitewheels' wheel sponsorship, evolve joins with its flagship CIMA performance road frameset, co-branded with its Panama distributor Rali.
The 2025 season proved the partnership's competitive value. Racing on Elitewheels' Drive, Drive Helix SS and Velo TT wheelsets, the team delivered podiums, stage wins, and GC victories at events including the Tour of Slovenia and Tour of Hainan, while also making strong appearances at WorldTour races such as Strade Bianche, Milano–Sanremo, UAE Tour and Copenhagen Sprint.
"Our first year with Elitewheels exceeded expectations," said Team Manager Serge. "The wheels delivered confidence everywhere, from crosswinds to full-gas sprints." Seven-time champion sprinter Dušan Rajović echoed this sentiment, praising both stiffness and speed.
Precision Equipment for 2026
In 2026,Team Solution Tech – NIPPO – Rali will race on three Elitewheels flagship models:
Drive II: an all-round race wheel refined through CFD and Silverstone wind tunnel testing, saving ~5 watts compared to its predecessor.
Drive Helix CS: a premium all-rounder with helical airflow design, offering exceptional crosswind stability and precise stiffness.
Drive TT: a dedicated time-trial wheelset validated at Silverstone, optimized for sustained high-speed efficiency.
This equipment selection reflects Elitewheels' commitment to engineering refinement under real race pressure.
Alongside the ProTeam, the partnership also extends to Toscana Factory Devo Team, the official development squad of Solution Tech – NIPPO – Rali. The Devo Team will compete on Elitewheels Drive series and Rali–evolve co-branded CIMA framesets, ensuring young riders progress on the same high-performance equipment philosophy as the ProTeam.
Learn more: www.elite-wheels.com
evolve Steps Forward with CIMA
evolve brings its high-performance CIMA frameset to the partnership for 2026. Built with TORAY T1100, T800, and M40 carbon, the unpainted M-size frame weighs just 650g, balancing ultra-lightweight construction with race-level stiffness. Wind tunnel testing at Silverstone showed that the CIMA combined with KREUZA aerodynamic accessories saves 4.1 watts on average, translating to nearly 48 seconds over 40 km at 300W.
Founded by industry veterans and former UCI pro rider, evolve applies a rider-first philosophy focused on real-world performance. The CIMA has quickly earned recognition from both professionals and enthusiasts, establishing evolve as a serious contender in the global road market.
Learn more: www.evolvebicycles.com
Looking Ahead
More than a sponsorship, this partnership is a technology-driven collaboration. Engineers, riders, and mechanics work closely to refine aerodynamics, stiffness, and efficiency throughout the season.
Together, they represent a clear message: global cycling performance is evolving, and China's engineering presence is now firmly part of the sport's top tier.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Elitewheels & evolve Power UCI Pro Team Solution Tech - NIPPO - Rali Toward a Potential Grand Tour Breakthrough in 2026
Elitewheels & evolve Power UCI Pro Team Solution Tech - NIPPO - Rali Toward a Potential Grand Tour Breakthrough in 2026
SINGAPORE, Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Influential Brands® proudly announces its upcoming 2026 Gala Event and Award Ceremony, set to take place on 6th April at the Fullerton Hotel. Marking its 14th year of honouring business leadership, the event will gather distinguished brands, employers, sustainability champions and top business leaders from across Asia.
A Legacy of Celebrating Asia's Champions of Excellence
With an awardee portfolio of over 500 of the most influential companies in Asia, Influential Brands® has established itself as a trusted platform for promoting and celebrating business excellence in Asia. Over the years, Influential Brands® has recognised prominent companies and industry shapers from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, China and beyond, fostering a strong community of forward-thinking leaders.
Award Categories Guided by Data and Meaningful Insights
Influential Brands®, headquartered in Singapore, employs a rigorous set of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies to identify the region's top performers in branding, talent engagement, sustainability and business leadership.
Each award under the Influential Brands® umbrella is grounded in comprehensive, ongoing research involving inputs from over 25,000 consumers, 50,000 employees and sustainability assessments and leadership reviews aligned with global standards.
Commitment towards employee engagement and positive workplace culture: Top Employer Award
As the labour market grows increasingly competitive and talent expectations continue to evolve, companies must distinguish themselves through genuine commitment to people and culture. In this landscape, recognising exemplary employers becomes essential, which is why the Top Employer Award highlights organisations that excel in creating meaningful, engaging and future ready workplaces that attract and retain the right talent.
Ms. Tan Chee Wei, Chief Human Capital Officer of SATS Limited said: "I am honored that SATS has been recognized as a 2025 and 2026 Asia's Top Employer, which is a fitting validation of our unwavering commitment to our greatest asset; our people. We will continue to build fulfilling careers together, show appreciation for one another and make meaningful contributions as we power a connected world of trade, travel and taste."
The 2025 and 2026 Top Employer Awardees include industry leaders such as Agency for Integrated Care (AIC), Accenture, CIMB Singapore, Koufu, NTUC LearningHub, WorkJoy, MoneyHero Group, SATS, Mandai Wildlife Group, HOYA Electronics, SP Group, Singtel Group, ShopBack, EtonHouse Group, UOL Group among other companies that have been endorsed by their employees as exemplary workplaces. A Top Employer company demonstrates exceptional standards in culture, engagement and employee support in Singapore and across the region.
Mr. Marcus Heng, Group Chief Human Resources Officer of Mandai Wildlife Group says, "What an honour to be recognised as a Top Employer. We are driven by a deep sense of purpose to protect wildlife, preserve nature, and create meaningful experiences that connect people with the natural world. This accolade is a testament to the passion, dedication, and care our employees bring every day. When our people find meaning in their work, they show up as their best selves and create exceptional experiences for others. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to fostering a workplace where every individual feels empowered to learn, contribute, and make a positive impact on our planet."
Recognising outstanding ESG stewards in Asia: Top Sustainability Award
In an era where stakeholders are more conscious of corporate behaviour than ever before, companies are judged not only on what they offer but on how they operate. Stakeholders want assurance that companies are acting responsibly, managing their environmental footprint and contributing positively to communities. The Top Sustainability Award honours companies that exemplify this standard, showcasing leadership through comprehensive ESG disclosures and responsible long term strategies.
The 2025 Top Sustainability Companies include Sustainability Champions such as FairPrice Group, Singtel Group, UOL Group among other prominent companies demonstrating exceptional progress and leadership in ESG transparency and responsible business practices.
Ms. Grace Chua, Chief Sustainability Officer of FairPrice Group said: "We are deeply honoured to receive Influential Brands' Top Sustainability 2025 Award. FairPrice Group's purpose is to make every day a little better for those we serve, and keeping things easy on the planet is a big part of this commitment. Together with our customers, partners, and people, we will continue to do our part in building a greener future for the communities we operate in, one day at a time."
Standing out in the Hearts of Consumers: Top Brand Award
Backed by a robust market survey across Asia with the participation of over 25,000 consumers, prominent brands are named the "Top Influential Brands". From parents, grocery shoppers, tourists to frequent travellers, the survey provides a comprehensive view of consumers' preference in key markets in Asia.
Mr. Lawrence Chan, Group CEO of NETS says, "We're honoured to be recognised as Singapore's Top Influential Brand in Digital Payments. A heartfelt thank you to our customers for your continued support and trust. This award reflects our commitment to helping businesses grow and motivates us to continue connecting communities and empowering lives through what we do."
The Top Brand Awardees include industry leaders such as NETS, FairPrice Group, NTUC LearningHub, Maybank Singapore, MoneyOwl, PRIME, Beijing Tong Ren Tang, Chew's, Yeo's, Eu Yan Sang TCM Clinic, Guardian, Colgate, Avance, How's Catering, Daikin, Popular, 21st Century Healthcare, CaterCo, Farmpride, Lau Pa Sat, Kopitiam, 3 Embers, MODU, DRIM, Biti's, AOz, Hegen, Anytime Fitness, Wells Singapore, hue, Nirvana Asia Group among other companies that have been endorsed by consumers as their prefer brands. The Top Brand Award honours brands that have built enduring resonance with consumers, strengthened by authenticity, relevance and a compelling value proposition across diverse markets.
Ms. Annie Lee, Head of Country Corporate Office Maybank said: "We are honoured to be recognised as the Top Influential Brand under the ASEAN Bank category. This recognition reflects the trust our customers and communities continue to place in us, and reaffirms our commitment of Humanising Financial Services."
Honouring Leaders who integrate purpose into performance: Top CEO Award
A highlight of the Gala Event is the presentation of the Asia's Top CEO Award, an honour reserved for senior leaders who exemplify outstanding business expansion, financial excellence, innovative leadership, and unwavering integrity. Mr. Harpreet Bindra, CEO of HSBC Life, stands among this year's distinguished honourees from the Insurance Services industry.
Interested companies to join the Gala Event on 6th April 2026
Influential Brands® welcome companies that aspire to be recognised for their excellence in leadership, branding, sustainability and human capital to submit their applications by the 27th February 2026. This is an opportunity to join a prestigious community of business leaders and gain recognition as the best in business at the Gala Night on 6th April 2026.
Mr Jorge Rodriguez, Managing Director of Influential Brands®, said, "It is our honour to recognise Business Excellence across Asia. We look forward to welcoming ASEAN business leaders to the Gala Event in April 2026 at the Fullerton Hotel. It will be an evening of celebration, meaningful connections, and shared opportunities for collaboration.".
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Influential Brands® unveils the 2026 Gala Event honouring Asia's finest in business excellence
Influential Brands® unveils the 2026 Gala Event honouring Asia's finest in business excellence
Influential Brands® unveils the 2026 Gala Event honouring Asia's finest in business excellence
