United Shipping and Team Bahrain Victorious have signed a strategic partnership, a significant development for the future of Hungarian cycling.
This agreement could provide a huge opportunity for current Team United Shipping riders and young Hungarian cyclists to reach the top level of the sport, the World Tour.
Starting in 2026, logistics company United Shipping will become the exclusive shipping partner for Bahrain. The company’s name will appear on the team’s jerseys and bus. Additionally, two riders, Bálint Feldhoffer (who finished 7th in the Tour de Hongrie) and Mihajlo Stolić, will get a chance to join Bahrain’s development squad next year.
A key part of the deal is that if Hungarian riders perform well, Team United Shipping can send more young athletes to Bahrain Victorious each year. The team also commits to participating in the Tour de Hongrie with at least one Hungarian rider.
Zoltán Kummer, founder and owner of United Shipping, shared details about the agreement:
“In early April, I received an inquiry from the Bahrain team, but I also know they reached out to several other Eastern European and Hungarian companies. I initially politely declined because I thought it was just a simple sponsorship. But luckily, they didn’t give up, so I connected them with Adri Szabó and Zsolt Dér, and the more serious talks began. I joined in on the third meeting, and we immediately made it clear that we were only interested if everyone benefited: Bahrain, Team United Shipping, and Hungarian cycling,” Kummer said.
“We met in person during the Tour de Hongrie, and the discussions accelerated. That’s when we found out they were also negotiating with Attila Valter, which gave us even more motivation to continue. In early July, both parties finally signed the contract, which is for three years to start.
“This agreement can be broken down into two parts: a business side between Team Bahrain Victorious and United Shipping Kft., where we become the exclusive logistics partner for the Bahrain team.
“More importantly, every year we can send riders to Bahrain’s development or World Tour squad, but this, of course, depends on the guys’ performance. Their development team has the same ‘conti’ classification as us, but they have a different race calendar. However, during the season, they can call up development riders to the World Tour squad at any time. What is certain is that Bálint Feldhoffer and Mihajlo Stolić will be riders for Bahrain’s development team next year.
“Naturally, there can be crossover not only for riders but also for professionals, which is why I believe our colleagues and Hungarian experts will gain a lot of experience over the years.”
Kummer added that beyond riders and sports directors, the knowledge, experience, technology, and equipment systems that Bahrain Victorious has could also be transferred to United Shipping.
“We want the TUS riders to also benefit from the knowledge that Bahrain possesses in 2026. For example, a joint training camp in December is planned.
“Bahrain Victorious has committed to participating in the Tour de Hongrie during the collaboration with at least one Hungarian rider. The team will also race at the TdH in a special jersey and helmet, and our company will appear on the Bahrain jersey and team apparel starting next year.”
Kummer emphasized that this agreement provides a huge opportunity for Hungarian cycling.
“The most important thing for me is that I see a firm commitment from both sides to ensure that Hungarian cycling can develop and that the talented youths in our junior ranks get an extra perspective. Young people who might be thinking about what to do with their future. Hungarian cycling needs to have a future; we have talents here too. We want to have more World Tour riders in 5, 10, or 15 years, and we want these guys to race in the Tour de France. I always say that just because Pogačar was born toward the sea from Nagykanizsa and not toward Lake Balaton, he isn’t different or more special. He just had better opportunities as a child.
“If we can provide organization and opportunities for the young riders in our junior ranks, I am sure the watts and results will come.
“I dare to say that with this agreement, Hungarian cycling can only win. Even if not everything goes according to plan, we can at least say we tried. But I think this project, along with the other excellent domestic teams, will advance our cause and we can paint a very nice picture of the future. I really hope we start moving upward and that Hungarian cycling takes a big step forward.”
Milan Eržen, Managing Director of Bahrain Victorious, added:
“We are delighted to welcome United Shipping as a partner, and indeed a family member, of Bahrain Victorious. Their commitment to cycling and the development of riders aligns with our philosophy. With Hungary’s growing presence in the sport and the signing of Attila Valter, this partnership creates a strong foundation to nurture the champions of the future in the years to come.”