Specialized cooperate with AliExpress to seize $1.5 million-worth of counterfeit cycling equipment made in China
Cycling
Specialized and AliExpress have joined forces with Chinese law enforcement to uncover two counterfeit manufacturers, resulting in closure of both productions, arrest of seven people, and seizure of fake cycling products worth over $1.5 million.
Specialized is one of the leading bike suppliers in professional cycling, supplying leading teams Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe and Soudal - Quick-Step in 2025 with their products. In particular their S-Works bike frames have been easily recognized on the roads this year thanks to Remco Evenepoel's golden specials.
And while Specialized products are praised for their quality and cutting-edge technology, the high-end bike parts don't always come cheap. And customers looking to experience a "bit of Remco Evenepoel feeling" on their rides while not having to break into a bank, the Chinese counterfeits at reduced prices might've been attractive.
However according to AliExpress, the counterfeit products pose serious safety risks to consumers as they bypass quality and safety standards. Specialized has tested these fake cycling helmets and frames, confirming they fail safety standards, sometimes "catastrophically."
"Specialized is unwavering in its commitment to protecting its riders and upholding a zero-tolerance policy against dangerous counterfeit products," said Andrew Love, Specialized's global brand protection manager, in the press release reported by BicycleRetailer. "These illicit operations not only exploit consumers but also undermine trust in authentic goods."
The successful raid highlights the growing problem of counterfeit cycling products in the global marketplace and demonstrates the effectiveness of collaboration between brands, e-commerce platforms, and law enforcement agencies.
"We are fully dedicated to safeguarding our customers and combating organized crime on a global scale," Love continued. "The success of this largest counterfeit bust in the cycling industry highlights the profound impact of collaboration between brands like ours and tech-driven platforms like AliExpress."
Love also acknowledged the crucial role played by Chinese authorities, stating, "Chinese law enforcement and Alibaba [the company running AliExpress, ed.] deserve immense recognition for their integral role in achieving this milestone."
Ondrej ZhasilCycling Journalist
Ondřej Zhasil is a cycling journalist at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2023. He is based in Ostrava, the third-largest city in the Czech Republic, and covers professional cycling across the main UCI competitions, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España. A key focus of his work is startlist analysis and pre-race coverage, where he examines team selections, rider line-ups, and tactical scenarios ahead of major events.
Alongside WorldTour coverage, Ondřej has developed specific expertise in junior cycling and in racing across East Asia, including competitions in China and Japan. He also maintains a broad working knowledge of other disciplines and levels, including cyclocross, while continuing to expand his understanding of mountain bike racing.
Ondřej holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Physics, which supports his analytical, data-driven approach to performance and race analysis. In his reporting, he regularly uses ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available.
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leedorney02-11-2026 - Watch the interview on youtube. I don't speak French. I do speak English and Spanish and you can hear it in his voice. Years ago LeMond had real personal problems I imagine in no small part because of Armstrong. then Armstrong goes round "full blast" re: LeMond having drinking and drug problems. The same way Andreu was expelled from mainstream cycling so was LeMond. On the positive side the clips of the ride and chatting with old teammates and was good. To seemed like a fun day and experience and good reason brush up his French.atom02-11-2026
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- It would likely be a very steep section of 4.1 km, not changing the average gradient considerably, with the climb remaining 10.1 km at 11.8%. It would reach 20% on the gravel. It would start 1.6 km in, and finish with 4.2 km left to climb (before the short final descent)
Rafionain-Glas02-11-2026 - Welcome to the off-season.
santiagobenites02-11-2026 - guillaume martin in this list is quite a surprise as a gc rider.Ketterechts02-11-2026
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