Gates Redefines High-Performance Racing with Historic UCI Downhill Racing Victory

Gates Industrial Corporation Ltd. (NYSE: GTES) is celebrating a historic moment in cycling history as Harriet Harnden of AON Racing secured the first-ever UCI Downhill Mountain Bike World Series victory on a belt-driven bike. This achievement, which also included a €100,000 Gates Belted Purse award, validates Gates' belief that belt drives can meet and exceed the demands of elite downhill racing.

The race, held in Les Gets, France, saw 20 riders equipped with the Gates Belt Drive system. Hattie Harnden commented on the performance, stating, "The Gates Belt Drive delivered smooth consistency without dropped chains or skipped gears, letting me focus completely on the run. In a sport where every second matters, that can make all the difference."

Chris Sugai, General Manager of Mobility at Gates, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the win and its significance for the industry. He noted that insights from this race are influencing new product development, enhancing durability, power transfer, and responsiveness across Gates' product line.

The victory signals Gates' commitment to innovation across the mobility landscape, with scalable solutions for sport, commuter, and micromobility platforms as demand for resilient drivetrain systems rises. Gates is positioning itself as a leader in high-performance bicycle innovation.