Thömus maxon remains a Swiss team—with clear values, strong roots in Swiss mountain biking, and the ambition to compete at the top internationally. Starting in the 2027 season, however, the team will broaden its horizons and integrate new perspectives into its existing structures. The goal is to enhance athletic performance, provide even more personalized support to the riders who ride, and allocate even more resources to more extensive testing and the further development of equipment.

Team Manager Ralph Näf explains the reasons behind the new structures and changes to the roster: “The level of competition is constantly rising, and the gaps at the top are getting smaller and smaller. To remain competitive, we need to invest more in rider support, equipment development, and the people behind the team. It was clear to us that we had to invest in these areas to continue competing for victories.”

With Flückiger and Keller as long-standing key performers

The focus is on both continuity and new momentum. With the contract extensions for Mathias Flückiger and Alessandra Keller, the team reaffirms its mutual trust and continues to rely on two of its key performers. Both shape the athletic direction of Thömus maxon and serve as important points of reference for the further development of the entire roster.

Mathias Flückiger, the silver medalist at the Tokyo Olympics, is looking forward to continuing to work with the team and to the changes ahead: “I know the team and its structures very well and am aware of the potential it holds. At the same time, I’m looking forward to the upcoming changes with optimism and excitement. I’m convinced that they can generate new momentum, which will also provide me personally with additional motivation and fresh challenges.”

Alessandra Keller, the 2025 XCC World Champion, is already looking ahead to 2028: “For me, the Olympic Games in Los Angeles are a major, highly anticipated goal. To achieve that, I need a long-term vision. The changes in the staff bring new momentum, new knowledge, and new expertise to the team, which I very much welcome. With this, we’re trying to put the missing pieces of the puzzle together and thereby hit the bullseye.”

Aldridge Rides for Thömus maxon as their First International Rider

British rider Charlie Aldridge, the first foreign rider to join the team, brings additional athletic quality. As a two-time European champion, two-time World Championship silver medalist, and winner of the final World Cup race of the 2026 season, the 25-year-old brings international experience and proven top-tier talent. Along with Aldridge, Phil Dixon and Kenta Gallagher—two longtime close associates—are joining the team’s sports staff. With Dixon as Sports Director and Gallagher as Race Coach and Test Rider, the team gains additional perspectives and expertise that will benefit the entire squad.

New signing Charlie Aldrige is thrilled about his new team: “Even during my first conversations with Ralph Näf, it was clear to me that I would be a great fit for Thömus maxon. The team culture aligns perfectly with my training style and the things that are important to me both on and off the bike! The bikes from Thömus and the equipment from our other partners are top-notch. My coach Phil and my technical coach Kenta are also joining the team with me, so we can maintain the momentum we’ve built up over the past four years.”

The Halter Siblings: The Fruits of Years of Youth Development

The development of young athletes also remains a key component of the team’s strategy. After Monique Halter made the move from the Thömus Akros Youngstars junior team to the Thömus maxon professional team during the 2026 season, her younger brother Nicolas (20) will follow her for the 2027 season. The Halter siblings will have the opportunity to continue developing in a performance-oriented environment and to benefit from direct interaction with experienced top athletes. At the same time, they bring their own perspective and energy to the team’s collective efforts.

Greater Depth, More Interaction, Shared Goals

With the further development of its roster, Thömus maxon is pursuing a clear goal: In the men’s and women’s races, multiple athletes should be able to compete for top positions in the future. To achieve this, individual athletic qualities alone will not be the deciding factor. Daily interaction during training, coaching, and competition preparation is also intended to raise the performance level of the entire team. Thömus maxon thus combines its Swiss roots with a clear international ambition to maintain a lasting position at the top of international mountain biking.

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