Rayon Vélo’s Tour: John Saccomandi and Marc Rebelo’s Adventure

Once upon a time in Domont, a small town in the Val d’Oise, the streets buzzed with excitement for the imminent opening of Rayon Vélo. At the heart of this adventure were Marc Rebelo, a great cycling enthusiast, and John Saccomandi, a renowned former cyclist, tandem world champion, and hero of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Make yourselves comfortable, we’re going to tell you how the story began…

By Jean-François Tatard – Photos: All rights reserved

The story of Rayon Vélo began with a dream: the dream of creating a space where cycling enthusiasts could find not only quality bikes but also a dedicated team to guide them through every stage of their cycling journey.

There was a particular vibration in the air of Domont this Friday, December 15, 2023, as if the town itself was holding its breath in anticipation. On the corner of a bustling street, a new chapter of cycling passion was about to open with the inauguration of Rayon Vélo. In this setting where the cobblestones whispered stories of pedals and escape, the story of this shop was about to be born.

John Saccomandi, the master of pedals and former tandem world champion, stood before the still-closed doors of Rayon Vélo. His gaze fixed on the future, he saw not just a shop, but a sanctuary where the magic of two wheels would intertwine with the dreams of every cyclist who crossed the threshold. Beside him, the creative association of Marc Rebelo, owner of a construction company gifted with creativity and his hands, added a unique dimension to this adventure. He built the entire interior of the shop and the decoration from A to Z, transforming the place into a cycling work of art.

The day before, Domont had fallen asleep with the excitement of an imminent dawn. The idea of this new shop had transformed into a tangible reality. The team, united by their passion for cycling, had fine-tuned the last details, ready to welcome lovers of the “petite reine” into a space dedicated to their shared passion.

Dawn timidly broke, and with it, the doors of Rayon Vélo opened to reveal an enchanting spectacle. Sunbeams danced on the sparkling frames, and the whisper of tires on the polished floor seemed to compose a cycling symphony. The Rayon Vélo adventure was about to begin.

Marc Rebelo, after more than two and a half decades in construction, and John Saccomandi, after years spent sharing his passion for cycling at Culture Vélo, felt the call to create something new. An idea germinated, an idea that would give birth to Rayon Vélo. The green hills of Val d’Oise seemed to whisper promises of new adventures.

Thus, on December 15, 2023, Domont was illuminated with a new light. Rayon Vélo opened its doors with a special brilliance, and cyclists from the region flocked to discover this magical place. Marc and John, along with Joss, the latest disciple of the place, welcomed each visitor with a smile and personalized advice.

Inside the store, a special energy floated in the air. The 250m² sales area was filled with Castelli clothing and Grimpeur brand textiles, as well as Trek, Orbea, and Cannondale bikes, ready to be companions on new adventures. The Rayon Vélo team, guided by the expertise of Marc, John, and Joss, shared their know-how with customers, creating lasting connections.

The Rayon Vélo workshop is a sanctuary where bikes received dedicated care. Maintenance, repair, frame kit assembly – each bike was treated with the respect due to a precious road companion.

The secret to comfort? At the heart of the adventure was the bike fitting. Marc, John, and Joss delved into the details, ensuring that each cyclist discovered the perfect position on their bike, thus guaranteeing comfort and performance.

Thus, the story of Rayon Vélo unfolded, blending passion, expertise, and an immeasurable love for cycling. Marc Rebelo, Joss Marfoutine, and John Saccomandi, with his champion’s legacy and passionate heart, had created more than a store – they had woven a new era of cycling adventures for the entire region. Rayon Vélo, a story that, we are sure, will continue to be told for a long time through every bike that leaves the store, carrying with them the dreams and aspirations of cyclists ready to conquer new horizons…

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