A road bike for Friedrich Merz: Why the Chancellor got rid of his bike straight away

The Haute-Savoie department, the Vélo au Sommet association, the UCI and the French Cycling Federation used the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains to raise awareness of the 2027 UCI Road World Championships. Each of the seven G7 delegations received a Look 795 Blade RS, painted in their national colours and bearing the name of their respective head of government. Chancellor Friedrich Merz also received a bike with a bespoke design: the fork is painted in the national colours of black, red and gold, whilst a name sticker featuring a small German flag adds a personal touch. It is fitted with an Ultegra DI2 groupset and Mavic Cosmic S 42 wheels.

Friedrich Merz has got rid of his road bike again

There is no way the Federal Chancellor would use the Aero bike to beat the KOM on a local loop in the Hochsauerland. In Germany, the legal framework is very strict when it comes to gifts to public officials. Consequently, the road bike does not become his private property, but remains the property of the office. The Protocol Department takes delivery of it and decides on its future use. One possibility, for example, is an exhibition at the Chancellery. It could also be sold online via VEBEG, the state-owned asset management company. The proceeds will go directly into the state coffers. Friedrich Merz is a keen cyclist and used to ride a road bike. In recent years, however, he has mainly been using a mountain bike. Since taking office, however, time has been short, and there are also security concerns associated with cycling. “Chancellor Merz enjoys riding his mountain bike whenever his schedule allows, preferably in his home region of the Hochsauerland district. He really enjoys it and it serves as his sporting outlet,” a government spokesperson told TOUR.

2027 World Championships in Haute-Savoie

The donated bikes are part of a PR campaign for the World Cycling Championships in France. The UCI World Cycling Championships will take place from 24 August to 5 September 2027 in the Haute-Savoie Mont-Blanc region. Across 15 venues between the lakes and the Mont Blanc massif, 289 titles will be contested in 20 different disciplines. More than 13,000 athletes from 130 nations are expected to take part.

LOOK 795 Blade RS from Nevers

LOOK Cycle International manufactures the 795 Blade RS in Nevers, Burgundy. Every bike is assembled by hand there. In 1984, the company developed the first clip-in pedal, which Bernard Hinault used to win the Tour de France in 1985. This was followed in 1986 by the first carbon road bike frame, ridden by Greg LeMond. The 795 Blade RS will also be used in the 2026 Tour de France.