Elitewheels and Evolve Aim for Grand Tour Success with NIPPO Team in 2026

New Era for Professional Cycling in 2026

As the 2026 cycling season approaches, the professional cycling landscape is poised for a transformative leap forward thanks to a powerful partnership between Elitewheels and its sister brand Evolve, collaborating with the UCI ProTeam Solution Tech - NIPPO - Rali. The joint commitment to performance, innovation, and global recognition takes center stage as they aim for a significant breakthrough in international cycling competitions.

Strengthening the Partnership

After an impressive debut season in 2025, where this dynamic team established their presence in major cycling events, both Elitewheels and Evolve have renewed their support for a promising future at the Grand Tours. The partnership encompasses not just sponsorship but a full-scale collaboration aimed at elevating the performance of the team.

Elitewheels will continue to provide its high-performance wheels, while Evolve introduces its flagship CIMA performance road frameset. In collaboration with Rali, their distributor in Panama, this combination is expected to bring formidable advantages on the race course.

During the remarkable 2025 season, the teamwork exhibited through Elitewheels' Drive, Drive Helix SS, and Velo TT wheels contributed to a series of podium finishes, stage victories, and an overall triumph at prominent events such as the Giro di Slovenia and Giro di Hainan. The team's achievements in WorldTour races, including Strade Bianche, Milano–Sanremo, UAE Tour, and Copenhagen Sprint, underscored their competitive edge. Team Manager Serge noted, "Our first year with Elitewheels exceeded expectations. The wheels instilled confidence in every situation, from crosswinds to full-throttle accelerations."

Innovative Gear for the Upcoming Season

As the NIPPO-Rali team gears up for the challenges of 2026, they will race on three elite models from Elitewheels:

1. Drive II: A versatile racing wheel, enhanced through CFD testing and wind tunnel evaluations at Silverstone, saving around 5 watts compared to its predecessor.
2. Drive Helix CS: A high-quality all-round model featuring a helical airflow design that delivers exceptional side wind stability and precision rigidity.
3. Drive TT: Tailored for time trials, this wheelset has been validated at Silverstone and optimized for steady efficiency at high speeds.

This careful selection of equipment exhibits Elitewheels' unwavering dedication to engineering excellence under the pressures of competition. Beyond the ProTeam, the partnership now also extends to the Toscana Factory Devo Team, the official development squad of Solution Tech – NIPPO - Rali. The Devo Team will compete using Elitewheels' Drive series and the CIMA frames, ensuring that aspiring cyclists can develop with the same high-performance philosophy as the ProTeam.

Evolve's CIMA Frameset: A Step Ahead

For 2026, Evolve brings to the table its high-performance CIMA frameset, constructed with TORAY T1100, T800, and M40 carbon. The unpainted size M frame weighs only 650 grams, masterfully balancing ultra-lightweight design with race-level rigidity. Tests at the Silverstone wind tunnel have shown that the CIMA, when paired with KREUZA aerodynamic accessories, can save an average of 4.1 watts – equating to around 48 seconds over a 40km ride at 300 watts.

Founded by industry veterans and former UCI professional cyclists, Evolve embodies a cyclist-first philosophy, focusing on real-world performance. The CIMA has garnered recognition from both professionals and enthusiasts alike, solidifying Evolve as a competitive contender in the global road bike market.

A Vision for the Future

Rather than merely a sponsorship, this partnership symbolizes a technologically-driven collaboration. Engineers, cyclists, and mechanics will work closely together throughout the season to refine aerodynamics, rigidity, and efficiency. Together, they convey a clear message: global cycling performance is evolving, and China's engineering prowess is firmly established at the pinnacle of this sport.

In conclusion, with ambitious goals set in place and a commitment to innovation and performance, the 2026 season promises to be monumental for Elitewheels, Evolve, and the UCI ProTeam Solution Tech - NIPPO - Rali.