How a Rejected Idea Changed the Future of Cycling Forever

From Swiss Trails to Turbo Innovation

What does it take to change the way the world rides?

In this episode of Ride to Success, host Pedro Couto Lopes sits down with Marco Sonderegger, Director of Turbo Product Experience at Specialized Bicycle Components, to uncover the story behind some of the most influential e-bikes ever made.

From the quiet Swiss mountain roads of his childhood to leading the development of the Turbo Levo and Turbo S series, Marco shares the bold decisions, creative risks, and relentless curiosity that powered Specialized’s journey into the e-bike era.

You’ll learn how resilience, innovation, and a deep love of cycling can fuel personal growth — and how Marco’s philosophy of “It’s you, only faster” can help you find flow both on and off the bike.

Whether you’re an e-MTB enthusiast, a cycling entrepreneur, or simply someone who believes in pushing boundaries, this episode will inspire you to pedal forward with purpose.

👉 Tune in to learn:

• How Specialized pioneered modern e-bike technology

• Why experimentation and failure drive true innovation

• What the future of cycling looks like — from design to sustainability

• Lessons in leadership and creativity from inside Specialized’s Turbo Innovation Lab

🎙️ Ride to Success with Pedro Couto Lopes — where cycling meets creativity, technology, and human resilience.

If today’s conversation inspired you to think differently about cycling, creativity, or how you ride through life — don’t stop here. Hit follow or subscribe to the Ride to Success Podcast so you never miss an episode. Every week, we bring you real stories from the people moving the world forward — one ride at a time.”

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Thanks for listening