It’s a bit like Groundhog Day: Every spring, the community gathers at the Veloteile Flea Market at the particle accelerator in Zurich. And while in the North American spring ritual the weather on this day is seen as a forecast for the coming weeks, for those hoping to upgrade their bikes at the Particle Accelerator, it certainly has an impact on the quality of the still-young season.

But that won’t happen in 2026. “Despite an intensive search, no venue could be found for a suitable date,” reads the website of the organizer, Pizzacup. Tian Lutz shares details: “We had a verbal commitment from Rote Fabrik, but then it didn’t work out due to staffing issues—on any date that was feasible for us.” They then inquired about various other venues, first the hall called Zitrone in Zurich-Leimbach, where the Teilchenbeschleuniger took place for the past two years, but they need it themselves this year. “We had confirmations from other venues, but never on a date that worked for us. Somehow, this year just didn’t go our way,” Tian explains.

The Teilchenbeschleuniger has been taking place since the late 1990s. Not even the organizers can list off the top of their heads all the venues where it has been held. There have been interruptions in the past, but in recent years the parts bazaar has been a well-attended fixture of Zurich’s Bike Spring. Vintage rarities were offered alongside modern high-end gear; shops cleared out their stock, hobbyists emptied their workshops, bike nerds rummaged and talked shop from table to table, and many off-road and other cycling enthusiasts were just as excited to meet old acquaintances as they were to find a specific part.

In 2027, bike parts are set to circle the particle accelerator again, promises the website. Tian confirms: “We’re already in talks and we’ll make it happen.” Shutting down the particle accelerator was never even remotely on the table. Nor is it for the parent event series, the Pizzacup, which turns 30 this year.