Recently, Magri Cycles celebrated John Magri’s 83rd birthday, the man who took over the family business in 1961.

Sharing this milestone on its Facebook page, Magri Cycles noted that John has been a big part of the business and the cycling community, actively participating since a very young age.

“We celebrate his hard work and dedication throughout the years which without, Magri Cycles as we know it today would not have been the same,” the company stated.

Magri Cycles started operating in 1889, by its Founder Michelina Magri. At the time, the company offered bicycle repairs, attracting many clients in her hometown in Mosta. In 1935, under the leadership of Michelina’s eldest son Paul, he expanded the business to also offer bicycle frame modifications. John happens to be Paul’s eldest son.

In 1964, years after John took over, he started importing bikes and accessories and became the local sole representative of Wearwell cycles, a renowned brand in the UK. Years later, he was also Raleigh’s sales agent for Malta.

At the time, John also became involved and participated in cycle racing.

In the ‘80s, John sold the sales stock and his brother Joe started running the the sales side of the company. Therefore, while John continued with maintenance and repairs, Joe, along with his wife Marianne, daughter Rachel and late son Daniel, started managing the sales and importations department of the company. 15 years later, Joe retired.

John’s son Paul, who started showing an interest in the business from a young age, started working at Magri Cycles and introduced new brands, bikes and accessories.

Throughout the years, the company expanded its showroom and eventually moved to bigger premises. The company became qualified to become one of the Shimano Service Centres in Europe. Additionally, it introduced the bike wash as a new service.