7 minute read
RAPHA
Building a global cycling community
More than a sports clothing brand, Rapha has become the hub for a growing inetrnational cycling faternity
Visitors to London can’t help but notice the popularity of cycling on the city’s streets, as well as further afi eld as keen cyclists explore the countryside surrounding the capital on weekend rides. The popularity of the sport has grown in the UK in recent years, much of which can be attributed to the legacy of the 2012 Olympic Games in London, as well as the successes of British riders in various championships and showpiece events such as the Tour de France.
For keen cyclists stopping over in the capital, leading cycling brand Rapha provides opportunities for riders to pursue their passion in London, or wherever in the world they are travelling.
The story of Rapha began in London in 2004, when diehard cycling fan Simon Mottram solved the problem of being unable to fi nd stylish cycling wear by setting up his own company to make the type of clothing that he would want to be seen in. Out went garish fl uorescent colours and a plethora of sponsor logos in favour of apparel that was more stylish and understated. Since then, the company’s products have redefi ned comfort, performance and style for cyclists – from absolute beginners through to WorldTour professionals.
From its earliest days, Rapha has worked with the sport's best athletes – fi rst as title sponsor to the British UCI Continental team Rapha-Condor from 2005-12, then as clothing supplier to Team Sky from 2012-16. Rapha continues to work at the top tiers of professional cycling with the women’s UCI WorldTour team CANYON//SRAM since 2016, and, after publishing a two-year study on the state of the sport titled the Rapha Roadmap, the company has returned to the men’s WorldTour with EF Education First Pro Cycling since 2019.
However, Rapha’s contribution to the world of cycling doesn’t end at clothing – its vision is to make road cycling the most popular sport in the world. This guiding mission defines Rapha’s culture, working environment and the people who work for the company.
In 2012, Rapha’s first-ever Clubhouse was launched in London and instantly became a destination for the capital’s cycling community. The location proved so popular that it was expanded in 2021, relaunching with more retail space, a larger café area, increased stock and dedicated exhibition space.
The London Clubhouse is just around the corner from Regent Street’s iconic curve and located a stone’s throw from Piccadilly Circus on Brewer Street, Soho, and visitors will find screens showing racing throughout the day, as well as the full range of Rapha’s cycling apparel. The Clubhouse is as much a destination for shoppers dropping in for coffee and a bite as it is a meeting place for London’s cyclists, including the London Chapter of the Rapha Cycling Club (RCC).
Born from a love of the sport, the RCC was founded in 2015 to bring cyclists together, and today there are thousands of members worldwide. The original London clubhouse has since been joined by 20 more across Europe, North America and Asia, all of which have become hubs for RCC members and local cyclists. The RCC is a global community of passionate, active cyclists that enjoys exclusive access to Rapha’s most soughtafter products, experiences and offers. With thousands of members in city Chapters across the world – and rides, races and events held each week – the RCC is the ultimate way to ride with Rapha.
Members are part of this global community of more than 20,000 like-minded, passionate cyclists who are connected through their love of riding. With an easy-to-use app, members can connect and find hundreds of rides, routes and group chats to get involved with, and stay in the conversation on the membersonly forum. Members can meet at one of 21 Clubhouses around the world, before rolling out on a group ride led by dedicated Ride Leaders. During rides, members can grab a drink at one of Rapha’s Partner Cafes, all conveniently located for a quick coffee stop.
For riders looking to push themselves, there are seasonal challenges and group adventures. Members can even participate from home, with countless virtual rides available to join on Zwift. RCC Summits and Escapes offer fully supported weekends of riding across breathtaking landscapes.
As well as rides, regular social events are listed on the app. Catch up with Clubmates and hear from professional riders, writers, product designers, industry insiders and cycling historians at Clubhouse events.
Leading the way in bespoke ultra-premium automobiles
HG Sport – based on G-Class The first automobile was introduced by Karl Benz 1886, and the first ‘modern’ assembly line for the manufacture of vehicles was set up by Henry Ford in 1913. Not since then has the automobile industry seen such a time of change and disruption. Today, the world's automobile manufacturers are moving as quickly as they can towards an electric and autonomous future.
One typical vision of the future is all about consumers wanting clean, on-demand transport from A to B – push a few buttons on your phone and a vehicle will arrive at your door to take you where you want to go – where we will only have to pay for the miles used, with none of the responsibilities that come with vehicle ownership.
There is, however, a significant segment of automobile users that considers the automobile as much more than just a convenient mode of transport – some prioritise performance, others place importance on luxury, and some need both of these and more.
The automobile has always been seen as an extension of the owner’s personality and style. In today’s style-conscious world, there is a growing desire among many motorists to show their individual style and personality through the vehicle they drive. In particular, this is visible in the ultra-premium automobile sector, demonstrated by the increase in the number of 'special' versions of cars from the world's premium brands, along with specialist services to enhance and personalise these premium vehicles.
Sales: +49 7162 9123950 sales@hofele.com
Your totally unique automobile One company offering such services is HOFELE. Based in Germany and working exclusively with the Mercedes-Benz brand, HOFELE offers a bespoke programme to enhance your MercedesBenz to become a totally unique automobile.
The enhancements available from HOFELE are limited only by the customer's imagination. They range from discrete exterior styling enhancements to complete transformations of the base vehicles, including: bespoke body-panel designs; exclusive paintwork; fully enhanced interiors, using the finest leathers and materials; reconfigured individual seating in the rear; and extra luxury features, such as consoles and lighted headlining elements. The wheels upon which a premium automobile sits are often the first component that owners consider changing to ‘individualise’ their vehicles. Enhancing exterior and interior design Specialist automotive companies offering ‘coach-built’ or enhanced models of the world's premium vehicle manufacturers are not new. These specialist companies were known as 'coachbuilders', or, more recently, as 'tuners' – from a term originally used to describe improvements in mechanical performance, but now covering the enhancement of both exterior and interior styling and design.
HOFELE-Design GmbH is quickly becoming known as the leading name associated with the enhancement of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. In operation since 1983, HOFELE became an authorised contractual partner of Mercedes-Benz AG in 2017 and now works exclusively with the extensive range of Mercedes-Benz/AMG models.
S-Class, enhanced by HOFELE
INDEX OF SPONSORS
Emma Willis..................................................................................................................96-99
Guy's and St Thomas'/Royal Brompton & Harefi eld Hospitals ........................22-27
Howard de Walden Estate ...........................................................................................8-11
Regent Street and St James's ..................................................................................90-93
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust ......................................................... 42-49
