In recent weeks Mandelli presented the 2023 edition of its Catalogue dedicated to cycle components and spare partsWe're talking about a veritable "volume," nearly a thousand pages long. A true reference point for the many retailers who turn to the Lombardy-based retailer every day to stock up on the products they need to best satisfy their customers.
This year the first chapter of the 2023 edition of the Catalogue is dedicated to AGU, a Dutch brand known in our country for providing racing clothing to Jumbo VismaThe decision to open its Catalogue with AGU confirms Mandelli's strong belief in the potential of the Dutch brand.
Let's discover AGU
To get to know AGU well, it is essential to start with its history. Let's talk about a brand strongly linked to Holland, the country where it was born and which has always had a close relationship with the bicycleAfter the Second World War, bicycles were a highly sought-after commodity in the Netherlands. However, their availability was very limited. To meet the growing demand for bicycles, three bicycle companies in Alkmaar decided to join forces in 1966, forming Alkmaarse Groothandels Unie, better known as AGU. The company experienced rapid growth right from the start, so much so that it became one of the largest suppliers of bicycle parts in the Netherlands.
The clothing arrives
Over the years, AGU has expanded its offerings by introducing clothing and accessories ideal for cyclists. This led to the creation of lightweight bike bags made of durable nylon, a new material at the time. One of the main new features in the catalogue was the introduction of the “Original” rain suit., which proved to be a huge success and won several awards.
In the 70s and 80s, this iconic suit became the benchmark for rainwear in the Netherlands, ideal accessory for those who did not want to give up cycling despite bad weatherThis suit, although modernized and much improved, is still one of the bestsellers in the AGU catalog today.
Here is professionalism
The late 1970s marked a turning point in AGU's history with its entry into professional cycling. A key role in this phase was played by four-time stayer world champion Cees Stam, who collaborated on the development of AGU's first competitive cycling apparel. Stam himself won his last world title wearing a suit designed by the Dutch brandAfter his career ended, he held the role of manager within the same company until 2007.
Many cycling champions have worn AGU over the years. We're talking about athletes of the caliber of Leontien Van Moorsel and Steven Rooks. The brand has especially linked its name to some teams that have made the history of Dutch cycling such as Peter Post's Panasonic and RabobankThis last team has been wearing AGU for 16 years. Its baton has been taken up today by Jumbo-Visma of Roglic, Van Aert and especially vingegaard, last winner of the Tour de France.
A very rich range
The AGU range is made up of the following product lines, which fully cover the needs of all types of cyclists, whatever use they want to make of their bicycle: Summer and winter clothing ideal for road cycling, mountain biking and gravel; a rich offer of bikepacking bags; summer and winter underwear; gloves, hats, shoe covers, and arm warmers. Road and mountain bike shoes, as well as eyewear, complete the offering.
