As a Wheeler importer, Intercycle AG has been distributing mountain bikes, touring and fitness bikes, city and trekking bikes, ladies' bikes, children's bikes and e-bikes in Switzerland for over 25 years. Sponsoring activities for racing series, individual athletes and entire racing teams have always been part of the Wheeler brand in Switzerland. Franz Kehl, who became junior world champion in 1997, was a member of the Wheeler team at the time, but Ralph Näf, Jolanda Neff and Lars Forster also grew up on this brand, among others.

Over the past three racing seasons, the Taiwanese brand has consistently pursued the development of a junior team. The long-term goal is to compete in the home World Championships in Lenzerheide in September 2018 with as many young athletes as possible. Under the leadership of Cornelia and Manfred Kupferschmied, this goal has been achieved, at least in theory. Three of the four athletes on the Wheeler Pro Team already meet the selection criteria for the World Championships in their own country. As always, the final decision lies with the Swiss Cycling Federation.

Despite its many successes, Wheeler is now calling it a day, as the brand will be strategically realigning itself from 2019. As a result, Wheeler has decided to focus more on testimonials and ambassadors instead of a cross-country team for its sponsorship activities. This is not least to do justice to the trend towards e-mountain bikes. The focus will be on storytelling with individual athletes.

Intercycle informed the team management and athletes about this strategic decision at the beginning of June 2018. This gives the affected athletes enough time to find a new team for the coming season. Despite this decision, Manfred Kupferschmied assures that he and his wife will do everything in their power to be able to offer their athletes a team again in 2019.