Recap 2025: A message from the founder

When I look back at 2025, the year feels like a turning point. Not because everything suddenly changed, but because many things finally fell into place. This year, Cyql clearly grew from a simple ride-sharing app into a platform that clubs, communities, and now even federations can truly rely on. Being part of that journey has been incredibly rewarding. Below is my personal reflection on this year.

In January, we also successfully completed our crowdfunding campaign. This was more than just a financial milestone. It allowed us to further professionalize the entire organization. Sharper processes, clearer focus, and a stronger team. Cyql is in a very different place compared to one year ago. Our team has doubled in size, and we reached the milestone of 5,000 cycling clubs and groups using the platform.

January – Cyql becomes part of the planning

In January, Cyql became a fixed part of the planning process. More and more cycling clubs and groups started using the platform to organize their rides, schedules, and activities. What once was an optional tool slowly became something teams could not plan without anymore. This marked an important step in Cyql’s growth as a reliable cycling planning platform.

February – Subscriptions automated

March – More structure

March and April were all about optimization. No big announcements, but many improvements you only notice when they are missing. A few examples:

• Splitting rides into subgroups. Rides can now be split with one click into, for example, different speed groups. Once again: less hassle for clubs.

• Working with waivers and liability forms. Liability is becoming more important all over the world. With the liability waiver management feature, each club can set up waivers and disclaimers in a way that fits their own needs.

These updates added structure and made Cyql more reliable as a cycling planning platform for clubs and communities.

May – Planning becomes more advanced

With more advanced repeat options for rides, planning became much easier. Daily, weekly, or yearly rides. Everything that repeats regularly can now be set up cleanly from the dashboard. Clubs with fixed training schedules especially noticed the benefits right away.

We see that our core feature, ride planning, can always be improved, and it remains a key area where we continue to invest and iterate.

August – Looking beyond rides

During the summer, it became clear that Cyql is more than just a ride planner. We released one of our biggest updates to date. With payments for rides and events inside Cyql, clubs could suddenly:

• sell tickets

• handle payments

• allow and manage guests

• quickly check in participants using a ticket scanner

For many clubs, this was the moment when separate tools were finally replaced, and Cyql became the central platform within the club.

With this new feature, a large German cycling club also joined Cyql. Rennradtreff Augsburg integrated Cyql into their close-knit cycling community. This helped both members and board members by reducing administrative work. It also allowed them to attract more members and increase engagement among cyclists. That is exactly why we do this.

september - Velocity Ladies on board

October – A milestone: our first white-label app

October felt like a personal highlight for me. We launched our first white-label club app for Cycling Ireland. It is a fully dedicated app, built on the Cyql platform and completely aligned with the federation’s branding and structure.

This was clear proof that what we are building does not only work for clubs, but is also scalable and reliable at federation level. The app was extremely well received by Irish cyclists and clubs. Within one month, we onboarded 100 new clubs in Ireland. What a success!

November – Data that matters, and welcome KNWU

In November, we introduced reporting functionality. Clubs can now create their own reports covering many aspects of their organization. Data was no longer just stored, but turned into something useful. For policy, for accountability, and for growth.

It was also announced that, alongside the NTFU, we will now support KNWU-affiliated clubs with the Cyql app. A great partnership that allows all cycling clubs in the Netherlands that are connected to a cycling federation to use Cyql free of charge.

December – Membership fee module

At the end of the year, everything came together. One of the most requested features was launched: the membership fee module. With this new module, collecting membership fees became a core part of Cyql. Rides, events, subscriptions, and memberships now all live in one system. It feels logical, but it is something we worked toward very intentionally.

This membership fee module forms the foundation for deeper payment integration within clubs and for supporting different types of memberships within a club or community.

December – STRAVA verified rides

The final update of the year is almost ready. We are finishing the last tests, and we are nearly there. This update already lays the foundation for what is coming next. With Strava Verified Rides, members who have connected their Strava account can verify their participation in rides. Cyql then knows not only who signed up, but also who actually joined the ride.

This may sound technical, but it is the key to fair club rankings and challenges in the next phase. Below, I will share more about what is coming in 2026.

And yes, this update also includes several small but useful features that have been requested for a long time. More news soon.

Thank you to our team, community and partners

This amazing year would not have been the same without all people involved. I would like to thank all associations, clubs and members who put their trust in us and organized their rides with Cyql. I am beyond proud that our team has ones again pushed the limits of what is possible in the world of cycling tech. Lastly, I would like to thank our partners, especially Freed, in being our strong tech partner from day one. Cyql would not have been Cyql without you. 

Looking ahead to 2026