Great announcements usually happen on stage, under bright lights, with rehearsed speeches and press releases. But before turning on the microphones in Paris on October 13th, we wanted to do something different.
 

We wanted to start where our story actually belongs: on the road. 

Before the announcement of our new 27-event partnership with A.S.O. we gathered in Paris to share what connects us all in the first place - the simple, raw pleasure of riding a bike together.

The day began early at the A.S.O. headquarters in Boulogne-Billancourt. Before clipping into the pedals, everyone gathered inside for a warm morning welcome: fresh coffee, breakfast, and the distribution of the official riding kits from the new Maillot Jaune collection presented on October 20th.

The atmosphere was buzzing as journalists, ambassadors, and the Castelli and A.S.O. teams caught up over espresso.
 

Right after breakfast, the group gathered for the pre-ride briefing. The team walked everyone through the route details, safety guidelines, and the day's schedule, giving a clear preview of the 50 km loop ahead through the scenic outskirts of Paris. 

At 09:30 AM, the atmosphere at the A.S.O. headquarters in Boulogne-Billancourt was anything but formal. There were no executive suits or scripted introductions – just helmets, cycling kits, and the familiar sound of clipping into pedals.  

We set off together for a 50 km loop heading southwest of the city toward the rolling green roads of Versailles and Meudon. Riding shoulder-to-shoulder was a unique mix of people: Castelli and A.S.O. teams, journalists, ambassadors, and a special guest on the front line – Tour de France stage winner Valentin Paret-Peintre from Soudal Quick-Step.  

There’s something magical about riding in a group: job titles and formalities completely disappeared. Taking turns at the front, chatting on the climbs, and riding through the autumn landscape turned what could have been just another corporate event into an authentic moment of community. It proved that behind all the logistics, jerseys, and big announcements, this partnership is driven by real people who share the exact same passion for cycling.

By 12.00 AM we were back at A.S.O. headquarters.

 

After a quick shower, a change of clothes, and a relaxed lunch together, the second part of the day began.

Moving into the press sessions, you could immediately feel the difference. The energy and camaraderie built out on the road carried straight into the interviews. Instead of a traditional, distant press conference, the room felt relaxed and open. Journalists, ambassadors, and representatives from both Castelli and A.S.O. sat down for genuine conversations about what this reunion means, the work going on behind the scenes, and the exciting vision for the years ahead.

October 13th was never meant to be just an announcement; it was designed as a hands-on warm-up for everything to come. It brought us together on the bike and set the tone for this new chapter.   

Now, the stage is set for the next big milestone: October 22nd, when the official route for the upcoming Tour de France will finally be unveiled right here in Paris.   

Stay tuned to our channels!