Vital Albin was one of the big climbers of the past mountain bike season. He won four international races, triumphed in the overall standings of the Proffix Swiss Bike Cup, took silver twice at the Swiss XCC and XCO championships, finished third on the World Cup podium for the first time at the XCC World Cup in Leogang, rode into the top 10 at three XCO World Cups, achieved his best XCO World Cup result with 6th place in Andorra and climbed into the top 10 of the world rankings at the end of the season.

This was 24-year-old Albin's big breakthrough to the top of the world in his fourth year with the Thömus maxon team. But the ascent is set to continue, which is precisely why Albin, who lives in Chur, decided to extend his contract: "The team has always believed in me, even in times when things weren't going perfectly. I really appreciate the fact that Thömus maxon is a Swiss team, that the routes are close and that we can therefore work together extremely efficiently and logistically easily," says Albin, emphasizing the reasons for his decision. Albin also makes it clear that he particularly likes the team's philosophy: "It's a sustainable project. With our junior team, riders are supported and encouraged at an early stage. Growing and developing together is extremely important. That's why I know that the team is the right place for my long-term development."

Team boss Ralph Näf is also pleased that the joint work will continue: "It is very important for us to keep looking to the future. A long-term approach and continuity lead to success. Vital is an excellent example of this and we look forward to celebrating further and even greater successes together."

Continuity also in the U23 sector

In the spirit of continuity, the collaboration with Solothurn U23 rider Luke Wiedmann will also continue. Wiedmann, who has repeatedly demonstrated his great potential this year, will enter his third season in the U23 class in 2023. Näf is also optimistic here: "Luke still has a lot of potential for improvement. If everything comes together for him, it's only a matter of time before he celebrates great success."

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