With his victory in the Monte Generoso bike marathon in 2006, Thomas Stoll from Schaffhausen had a triple premiere to celebrate: his first victory in his first important race as a professional mountain biker and this in the very first race of the "iXS-Classic" in Ticino. It was also to be the start of his most successful season. Another iXS Classic triumph in a new record time at the National Park Bike Marathon and second place in the Iron Bike Race, which also counted as the Swiss championship, led to overall victory in this national mountain bike marathon race series. The highlight, however, was the silver medal at the European Championships in Chies d'Alpago (ITA), which was completely dominated by Swiss riders in the men's race.

Fortan counted Stoll among the strongest local mountain bike endurance specialists, who were a force to be reckoned with, especially in difficult races. In addition to countless triumphs and podium finishes, the overall victory at the Bike-Transalp in 2009 together with team-mate Lukas Buchli was another milestone in the career of the Easterfinger. He almost achieved the feat again this year together with Konny Looser, which was not a matter of course. Because Stoll has also had to cope with some bitter setbacks. In 2010, for example, when he had a serious accident while leading the Transalp again with Buchli and had to be taken to hospital.

The mechanical engineer knew how to apply the skills he had learned to his work equipment by making numerous material optimizations. It was not for nothing that the "BiXS Pro Team" was one of the first teams in the peloton to have a race-ready bike with 29-inch wheels. Stoll always saw marathon sport as a holistic discipline that encompassed not only targeted training, selected nutrition and recovery, but also mental aspects and equipment. This is exactly how he organized his life.

A break with the sport of cycling after completing his career as an active athlete is therefore out of the question for the 30-year-old. The new role at "Stöckli Outdoor Sports" as manager of the newly created cross-country team at the end of 2012 is a seamless transition into working life and at the same time a return to familiar circles. Stoll rode in the colors of the Lucerne-based ski manufacturer until the end of 2008 before switching to "BiXS" - where he was able to seamlessly build on his successes with victories in Riva as well as in Offenburg, Kirchzarten and at the BIKE-Transalp. "One of the reasons for this is the emotional support and appreciation that can always be felt at Intercycle, right up to the management level," says Stoll looking back.

Marriage to his long-time sports and life partner Simone Cerny last summer led to a desire for his own family and more security, which a life in sports cannot offer. "We regret his departure and would like to thank Thomas most sincerely for his great commitment to our colors. We wish him all the best for the rest of his life and career," says Wheeler BiXS Division Manager Mario Zimmermann. Stoll returns the thanks without regret and adds: "It's nice when you can retire as an athlete at the peak of your career."

www.thomasstoll.ch