Gates Belt Drive Powers First-Ever Belted Bike to Win and €100K Belted Purse Awarded
DENVER, Aug. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Gates Industrial Corporation Ltd. (NYSE: GTES), a global manufacturer of innovative, highly engineered power transmission and fluid power solutions proudly celebrates a historic moment in cycling history. With a groundbreaking performance, Harriet (Hattie) Harnden of AON Racing secured the first-ever UCI Downhill Mountain Bike World Series victory on a belt-driven bike, claiming the €100,000 Gates Belted Purse.
The race, held in Les Gets, Haute-Savoie, France, brought together elite riders from across the globe to push the limits of performance on the world’s toughest terrain, with 20 riders equipped with the high-performance Gates Belt Drive system. This milestone validates what Gates has long championed, belt drives not only meet but exceed the punishing demands of elite downhill racing. It signals a broader shift in performance cycling, one in which clean, low-maintenance, and ultra-durable belt drives are poised to become the future of drivetrain technology.
“Downhill racing can be brutal on riders and equipment, so to be the first rider to win on a belt-driven bike is honestly pretty exciting,” said Hattie Harnden, winner of the €100,000 Gates Belted Purse. “The Gates Belt Drive delivered smooth consistency without dropped chains or skipped gears, letting me focus completely on the run. In a sport where every second matters, that can make all the difference. This win reflects the hard work and belief of the entire team, and it’s a moment we’re all proud of at AON. Hopefully, it’s just the start of what we can do with this bike.”
Chris Sugai, General Manager of Mobility at Gates said, “Victories like this don’t happen in isolation. This achievement is the result of a collaborative effort across the industry. We want to recognize the mechanics, engineers, and support crew who worked relentlessly to ensure this bike performed at its peak. Special thanks to Gamux for developing a frame that harnesses the power of Gates Belt Drive, proving that engineering innovation leads to game-changing results.”
This win reaches beyond the podium; it signals the ongoing commitment Gates has to innovate across the mobility landscape. As global demand for more resilient drivetrain systems rises, Gates is delivering scalable solutions that address sport, commuter, and micromobility platforms. Insights from this race-winning platform are already influencing new product development with advancements in durability, power transfer and responsiveness enhancing the entire product line. As urbanization, electrification, and rider demand accelerate, Gates is not just redefining racing performance but also setting the pace for global high-performance bicycle innovation.
To learn more about the €100,000 Gates Belted Purse visit Gates Belt Drive.
About Gates Industrial Corporation Ltd.
Gates is a global manufacturer of innovative, highly engineered power transmission and fluid power solutions. Gates offers a broad portfolio of products to diverse aftermarket channel customers and to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) as specified components. Gates participates in many sectors of the industrial and consumer markets. Our products play essential roles in a diverse range of applications across a wide variety of end markets ranging from harsh and hazardous industries to everyday consumer applications, including virtually every form of transportation. Our products are sold in more than 130 countries across three major geographies: the Americas; Europe, Middle East & Africa; and Asia Pacific. For more information visit gates.com.
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SOURCE Gates Corporation
