It's not just in terms of success and professionalism that Urs Huber is exceptional. By winning the bronze medal at the World Championships, the 23-year-old from Aargau has made an important contribution to the sporting status of the bike marathon. Up to now, pure long-distance specialists have always had the stigma of amateur riders attached to their studded tires, who are regularly put in their place by cross-country riders at title competitions on their preferred terrain. Not so Huber, who showed no respect for world champion Christoph Sauser at last year's National Park Bike Marathon and rode ahead alone for hours, only to be beaten by Sauser in the end. Characteristic of someone who possesses virtues such as fighting spirit, concentration on the essentials, diligence and an unshakeable belief in himself.

Archetypical cyclist
Huber embodies the archetypal cyclist that used to be increasingly common among cyclo-cross riders. Tough and modest farmer's sons who found a way to compensate for the winter with cycling. He also graduated from school with flying colors as a federally certified cross-country skier before signing a contract with Stöckli as a professional biker last year. To take his mind off things, he still works on his parents' farm in Jonen, where he lives in modest circumstances.

Continuous success proves him right. Huber won the "iXS swiss bike classic" marathon series twice over the short distance, before becoming the youngest rider in the twelve-year history of the classic to win the long distance at his first attempt last year. This year, he was also the first rider to win the iXS classic with a flawless series of victories. Huber has won a total of nine races so far this season, including the "Grand Raid" in Valais, the oldest and toughest bike marathon of its kind, as well as a silver medal at the European Championships and bronze at the World Championships. "Although I had many interesting offers, this is the solution I wanted most," said Huber, delighted with the contract extension at Stöckli. "I would like to thank Stöckli very much for the trust they have placed in me and for their generous support!"Source: Press release, Martin Platter