“It’s an important event and we need serious, professional guides: are you in?”
I was asked this question one afternoon in late October 2025 by Michael, the organizer of the “outdoor” side of the Paul Lange & Co. Test Camp Event — and I accepted the proposal.
That’s exactly how I entered the heart of the bike industry for the first time.
You can’t mention Paul Lange & Co. without mentioning Shimano (working in close collaboration since 1967!). For this event, the most important dealers were invited for the presentation of the new XT and XTR range. But the best part was that Paul Lange provided more than 100 of the best MTBs on the market, allowing clients to test them in what is considered the best proving ground in Europe: the trails of Finale Ligure.
Coordinating an event of this scale wasn’t easy, but by working together with the Paul Lange staff and 15 of the best guides from the Finale area, we ensured that every single participant could test the outstanding components from the Japanese brand on the most suitable trails for their skill level and in the best possible conditions.
The Paul Lange & Co. Test Camp Event was two unforgettable weeks.