Online cycling marketplace bikeZaar has secured Angel investment and support from two Olympic triathletes.

Olympic, Commonwealth, World and European Champion Alistair Brownlee MBE and brother, World Champion, Olympic and Commonwealth medallist Jonny Brownlee participated in the investment round and have an equity share in the business.

The investment round for an undisclosed sum was led by Gareth Mobley, formerly the founder and CEO of Solidor and DW3, and now owner of an early-stage investment company, My Clever Group.

Alistair and Gareth will also join the board as non-executive directors.

“bikeZaar empowers local bike shops, giving them the technological tools to transition from high-street based sales to embracing e-commerce, rather than suffering from it,” said Alistair Brownlee.

“The business provides owners with the digital skills needed to give them the confidence to transition and transact within an online e-commerce community, empowering them to compete with national and global brands on a more even playing field.”

bikeZaar was founded by Kevin Griffiths, who has established several successful concept stores and ecommerce platforms whilst working with Yellow Limited, UK distributor of premium cycle brands.

“We are delighted to receive this investment and are very grateful to Alistair and Jonny Brownlee for their support,” said Griffiths.

“bikeZaar is all about collaboration and we feel we’ve connected with experts who share our ethos and want to support local retailers by combining tradition and technology.”