Bike Festival Riva Future Summit: What impact will AI have on the bike industry?
Maik Schröder
· 02.05.2025
The FSA Bike Festival Riva del Garda started with a premiere: the first Bike Festival Riva Future Summit, which centred on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the bike industry. Exhibitors and industry experts met at the Hotel Du Lac Et Du Parc in Riva del Garda to discuss the opportunities and challenges that AI brings to the world of bikes. Renowned journalist Petra Bindl moderated the event and led the discussion rounds.
AI and the bicycle industry
At the beginning, Uli Stanciu, founder of the Bike Festival, and Oskar Schwazer, General Manager of the Garda Dolomiti S.p.A. tourism association, welcomed the participants. They gave an overview of the history of the FSA Bike Festival and explained the idea behind the new Future Summit. Oskar Schwazer emphasised the importance of innovation and AI for the dynamic bike industry: "We have the ambition to be at the forefront, to create new things and to continuously develop." Former Amazon manager and AI specialist Claudius Zick, mobility expert and eBike pioneer Hannes Neupert, YouTuber and bike tester Andrea Ziliani and mechatronics engineer Ciro Malacarne from ProM Facility took part as experts. At half-time, two-time Olympic sailing champion Ruggero Tita also joined in via video.
Where artificial intelligence is used
The discussion panel highlighted various areas of application for AI in cycling. One focus was on support in product development. The experts explained how AI algorithms can be used to optimise frame geometries, material properties and aerodynamic aspects. The participants also saw great potential in the area of training and performance optimisation. AI-supported systems could create individualised training plans, analyse movement sequences and provide suggestions for improvement. For end users, the panel discussed ways in which AI could improve the driving experience through intelligent navigation systems, predictive maintenance information or personalised route suggestions.
Comparison with other sports
In order to better assess the potential of AI in cycling, the experts drew comparisons with other sports. Ruggero Tita reported on his experiences in sailing, where AI systems are already being used to optimise boat design, tactics and weather forecasts. Examples of AI applications in vehicle development and racing strategy from motorbike racing were also discussed. The participants agreed that cycling could benefit from this experience and develop its own innovative solutions.
Opportunities and challenges
The discussion crystallised both major opportunities and potential challenges arising from the use of AI. The advantages cited were the potential to increase efficiency in development and production, improved training methods and increased riding enjoyment thanks to intelligent assistance systems. Issues of data protection, the possible monitoring of athletes and users and the risk of excessive mechanisation of sport were discussed critically. The experts emphasised the need to develop ethical guidelines for the use of AI in cycling.
A look into the future
To conclude the event, presenter Petra Bindl ventured a look into the future together with the audience. The participants discussed what the sport of biking could look like in ten years' time if AI technology continues to develop at a rapid pace. Visions ranged from fully customised bikes that automatically adapt to riding style and body measurements to virtual training environments that perfectly simulate real routes. The potential of AI for more sustainable production methods and resource-saving materials was also discussed. The lively discussion demonstrated the industry's great interest in the possibilities of artificial intelligence.
Innovative translation technology
In keeping with the theme of the summit, AI-supported simultaneous translation was used at the event. Participants were able to access a web app via a QR code and follow the translation in their desired language either as audio via headphones or as text on their smartphone display. This technology enabled a barrier-free international exchange and at the same time demonstrated the practical application possibilities of AI in the event sector.
Maik Schröder
Editor
