PORTO SANT'ELPIDIO – In just five years, Nimbl has revolutionized the cycling footwear industry. From handcrafting 200 pairs of shoes a year, The company is now a leading player in the "premium" segment, with a new 2.500 m2 headquarters, 30 employees and 150 WorldTour riders who ride with Nimbl-branded shoes. We spoke about it directly with Francesco Sergio, Co-Founder and Managing Director of the brand, who gave us a story of vision, quality and international ambition.
In just five years, Nimbl has gone from a startup to a global player. How did you do it?
The starting point was clear from the very beginning: we wanted to break the “status quo”. The cycling shoe industry was dominated by a few big names, but we knew we could do something different. We focused entirely on quality, true craftsmanship, and Made in Italy, positioning ourselves in the premium segment from the start. The market response was strong and immediate, and the numbers proved us right.
Can you tell us a little about the current structure?
Today, Nimbl employs thirty people, twenty-five of whom are directly involved in production. This demonstrates how much we value direct quality control. In July 2024 we moved to a new 2.500 square meter headquarters, where we produce 100% of our products in-house. Only five people work in the offices: our priority is producing excellent shoes, not swelling the administrative staff.
A counter-current choice in an era of delocalization.
Absolutely. We chose the most difficult path, but also the one that allows us to offer a product that stands out. Everything is made in Italy, each shoe is a unique piece with attention to detail.This is exactly what the professionals are looking for, and they find us: today there are 150 WorldTour riders who use Nimbl shoes.
From the Giro d'Italia won with Yates to the Tour de France: what will happen in the coming months?
With Visma Lease a Bike, our long-time partner, we are doing a huge job. We support them in all categories: from the WorldTour to the women's team, up to the I have to team up of the youngestAt the Tour de France we will launch new product lines and begin to explore different market segments… It will be another turning point. Additionally, we are already developing a new range of shoes for 2026, which will be very beautiful and at the same time innovative.
There seems to be a "hunger" for Nimbl. How are you managing demand?
Very carefully. Currently, daily demand is more than double what we can produce. This requires us to have organic and controlled growth., because we don't want to compromise quality in any way. We want to grow, but without losing our identity.
How do you imagine the future of Nimbl?
I see it beyond footwear. We want to keep our focus on shoes, of course, but we're already thinking about new product categories. The goal is to evolve into a global brand that can interpret the needs of cyclists in a broader way, without ever losing our identity.
The 2025 Giro d'Italia was a great success for you. What did it mean?
We won the Giro with Simon Yates, and we were also the official partner as a shoe supplier. For me, as an Italian, it's a huge satisfaction. The Giro is the most beautiful race in the world, and being present in this way, win and see the our athletes get on the podium with the our shoesIt was something special. It was also a springboard for international visibility.
Let's go back: how did your cycling career begin?
In 2000 I started in Cinelli, thanks to Antonio Colombo, to whom I owe so much. It was him who opened the door to the sector for me, and I consider those years a true university of cycling. From Cinelli Many managers have emerged who now lead important companies...
And then Cervélo arrived
Exactly. I spent 13 years at Cervélo, following the Canadian brand's entire growth journey. I was the first European hire, and I personally opened the Cervélo office in Switzerland in 2005Working alongside Gerard Vroomen, the founder, taught me the importance of strategic vision and correct market positioning.
Experiences that you then brought to Nimbl…
Absolutely. From Vroomen, I learned to think ambitiously but concretely. Then, in the last years at Cervélo, with PON Group, I had the opportunity to learn the financial dynamics and organizational skills of a global brand. All of this prepared me for the next step: founding Nimbl.
There's also an academic journey behind the scenes…
Yes, I earned a Master's in Sports Economics from Luiss University in Rome, which provided me with a solid theoretical foundation. I really wanted to pursue it because I wanted to combine my passion for cycling with solid, structured management skills.
What message would you send to young people who dream of entering the bike business?
Which requires passion, patience and expertise. Nothing is built in a few months, but if you have a strong idea, if you believe in a project and you work well, you can go far.Nimbl is proof of this: from an artisanal idea to a company that now equips the world's best cyclists. But we're only just getting started.
