'It is a painful decision but it is the right call' - Rapha to close five Clubhouses across USA and UK. (Image credit: Rapha) Rapha is to close five of its Clubhouses due to changes "needed" at the British cycling clothing brand, it was revealed on Friday afternoon. Boulder, Chicago, Miami and Seattle in the USA along with Manchester in the UK are the locations to be closing. There are 20 other Clubhouses, effectively stores with cafés which offer events and social rides, across the world. Fran Millar, Rapha's CEO, called it a "painful decision" but the "right call" in a statement. Manchester is set to close next Sunday, 18 January. "Rapha's Clubhouses are cultural anchors for the Rapha community worldwide, run by brilliant, hardworking teams that are our brand's greatest advocates," she said. "They are places to belong, to be inspired, and to discover its products. "So, this announcement is really tough. The following Clubhouses will be closing before April 2026: Boulder, Chicago, Manchester, Miami and Seattle. "This brand was built on meaningful customer experiences and storytelling both online and offline. At its best, no one does it better - and being at its best is my key priority. Closing these Clubhouses means Cyclingweekly can focus on richer customer experiences at flagship locations, regional rides and events, and online worldwide. "I have been honest that Cyclingweekly need to make changes at Rapha to bring greater focus. 'Simpler, better' is the guiding principle behind this decision. It is a painful decision but it is the right call for the brand and its customers in the long-run. The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!

Factor joins Rapha in Shanghai. Become a member of its circolo. With a vibrant cycling scene and a rich cultural history and cuisine, Shanghai stands as one of the ultimate destinations for anyone looking to explore the world on two wheels. To celebrate and support the Shanghai cycling community, Rapha has opened a new Clubhouse in the heart of the city, with Factor Bikes as a partner. It will be its first permanent space in the magnificent city. This partnership is the result of its shared vision which highlights community, inclusivity, and a belief in the life changing benefits of cycling. Rapha and Factor share more than a sense of style and commitment to quality. Factor Bikes Limited value authentic engagement with its customers through more than simple weekly group rides, but by offering a space away from home where Factor Bikes Limited can exchange experiences and ideas. The Rapha Clubhouse Shanghai takes inspiration from the Italian circolo, or social club, as a welcoming, stylish space to connect, refuel, and ride together. Back to their roots. Rapha's brand identity has been inextricably linked with classic French and Italian cycling culture, specifically from the 1950s and 1960s, from the quasi-eponymous Saint-Raphaël cycling team to the pagine rosa of the Gazzetta dello Sport, many of Rapha's defining traits are clearly on display in the Clubhouse's interior design. Helping to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the RCC, Rapha's cycle club, Factor has joined forces with the British brand, first with a special David Carson RCC designed MONZA, which will be available to ride at many of the RCC Clubhouses around the world, and then also by sharing the space and the initiative in the Shanghai Clubhouse, focusing on enhancing the experience of every cyclist who walks through the door. Whether local or visitor from another continent, the ambience and welcoming spirit will help everyone feel like an old friend and member of a benevolent community. Its intertwined history is represented in some of the artwork that highlights the Clubhouse space. An abstract mural design that integrates the Rapha and Factor logos specifically highlights Rapha's St Raphael heritage story. Representing a tapestry of the two brands, the design threads each identity into the texture and spirit of its shared communities. The work of art has been painted by Shanghai-based DONIS. He began painting graffiti in 2009 with a focus on pure old-school writing, studying the posture and evolution of fonts. The interplay between body movement and rhythm is reflected through his use of different materials and media. Welcoming to all. The Grand Opening takes place on Friday, November 28th. If you are in the Shanghai region, please take the opportunity to join the festivities. It promises to be among the best parties the cycling world has enjoyed for a long time. Though scheduled to last late into the night, the party will be followed by a special group ride saturday morning starting at 7 am from the Clubhouse. The Rapha Clubhouse Shanghai is open every day, 10 am to 8 pm. Whether you own all the kit and a new OSTRO, or just would like to, please stop by and join its circolo of cycling fanatics. "United by a shared ambition to push the sport of cycling forward, we're creating a new kind of destination for cyclists in china, immersive, inspiring, and built for those who live to ride." - Rob Gitelis, Factor Bikes founder.

Rapha opens first 'clubhouse' store in mainland China. British cycling apparel brand Rapha has now launched its 'Clubhouse' retail concept in mainland China. The opening of the new store in the economic hub of Shanghai is a "milestone" for the brand and marks "the beginning of a new era for Rapha in Asia," the company announced in a statement on Wednesday. The 'Clubhouse' concept, which combines retail, café culture and events for cycling enthusiasts, premiered in London in 2012. There are now 22 locations worldwide. Rapha announced that the "next generation" of the format has now been realised for the first time in Shanghai, in collaboration with design agency Seen Studios. "Inspired by the relaxed elegance of Italian cafés, it reinterprets the 'circolo' - or club - as a modern place for meeting and community," a statement read. "The 'Clubhouse' will regularly organise rides and events, offering cyclists a place to connect over a cup of coffee and their shared love for the sport." According to the company, the new opening in Shanghai is a response to its growing popularity in China. The Rapha Cycling Club (RCC) has already attracted more than 400 cyclists in the cities of Beijing and Shanghai. China Rapha