Team Thömus Maxon is going into the 2023 season even stronger and with an even broader base. With the signing of 29-year-old Lars Forster, Team Principal Ralph Näf's squad will compete with three riders in the elite men's category for the first time. Mathias Flückiger and Vital Albin will have a third strong rider at their side: "We are delighted that we have been able to sign Lars Forster. Despite his two European Championship titles, his 2019 World Cup victory in Snowshoe and other international victories, Lars still has great untapped potential. He also fits into the team very well on a personal level," says Ralph Näf, explaining the reasons for signing Forster.

Lars Forster, for his part, is very much looking forward to the new collaboration with Thömus Maxon: "The decisive factor for me was that Ralph and the team put their trust in me and believed in me. That gives me great confidence. The team also has everything it takes to be successful: a professional environment, great team spirit and super equipment."

The goals for Thömus Maxon are clear, as Ralph Näf looks ahead: "We want to win World Cup races, national and international titles this season and be one of the best mountain bike teams in the world!" These goals also match those of Forster. The newcomer wants to be in top form right from the start of the season and the first World Cups. Forster's biggest goal for the season is the World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, in August, the same place where he won his first European title in 2018.

Asso's new clothing partner

There is also a new addition in terms of partners. The team is now being kitted out by the traditional Swiss brand Assos. This makes Thömus maxon even more "Swiss". The motivation to ride into the international spotlight with high-quality Assos products is extremely high.

Cross-country cycling as the start of the season

As in previous years, the season will be launched with two cyclo-cross races. Alessandra Keller, Vital Albin, Luke Wiedmann and Lars Forster will compete in the Radquer Meilen on Monday, January 2, 2023. This is also the final of the Swiss Cyclocross Cup. Just under two weeks later, the Swiss Championships in Mettmenstetten (15 January) are on the agenda. After that, the focus will be on preparing for the mountain bike season.

Date of birth:  August 1, 1993
Greatest successes 
- European champion 2018 and 2021
- World Cup victory Snowshoe (USA) 2019
- Cape Epic overall victory 2019
- Swiss Cyclo-cross Champion 2016, 2018, 2020

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