As part of the official team presentation at the Swiss Bike Park Oberried, the Swiss mountain bike team Thömus maxon unveiled its sporting ambitions, structural developments and technical innovations for the 2026 season. With continuity in its elite roster, new partnerships and targeted investments in young talent and equipment, the team looks ahead to the coming racing year with strong ambitions.
In 2026, Thömus maxon will compete with an unchanged elite lineup. World champion Alessandra Keller, Mathias Flückiger, Lars Forster and Vital Albin will once again represent the team’s colours on the international stage.
Energy producer Alpiq joins as a new partner
Following the successes of recent years, the team’s goal remains clear: to further strengthen its leading position in international cross-country racing. Key highlights of the upcoming season include the home European Championships in Rivera (Ticino), the World Championships in Val di Sole, Italy, and the legendary multi-stage race Cape Epic.
Alpiq joins the team as a new partner. The Swiss energy producer strengthens the long-term planning security of Ralph Näf’s team – particularly with a view to the 2028 Olympic Games.
Both partners share more than just a commitment to elite sport: Alpiq and Thömus maxon both have strong Swiss roots, pursue international ambitions and place great value on people, culture and, in particular, the development of young talent.
Näf says:
“For us as an organisation, continuity is extremely important. You can see that in our sponsors as well as in our rider lineup. With Alpiq joining as a new partner, we have created a strong foundation to continue successfully along this path. Our objective for the 2026 season is clear: we are aiming for the top step of the podium. We are hungry for World Cup victories, for success at the European Championships on home soil, the World Championships in Italy and the Cape Epic, where we want to shine.”
Alessandra Keller to race the Cape Epic for the first time
For team leader Alessandra Keller, the 2026 season includes a special sporting highlight: her first participation in the Cape Epic in South Africa.
She will compete in a two-rider team alongside local star Candice Lill, who has already achieved several top results at this prestigious stage race. To prepare specifically for the event, Keller spent several weeks in South Africa at the beginning of the year to fine-tune equipment, adapt to the conditions and strengthen the teamwork.
With these experiences and intensive preparation behind her, she is highly motivated for this new chapter in her career.
“I’m incredibly excited about the Cape Epic. The timing never quite worked out before, but this year I was able to prepare specifically for it and it also fits perfectly into my overall race schedule. With Candice, I have an extremely strong and experienced partner at my side. After that, my full focus will shift to the World Cup. That’s where I want to perform and honour the rainbow jersey,” Keller says with a smile.
Developing young talent as a strategic foundation
A key pillar of Thömus maxon’s long-term strategy remains the systematic development of young riders within the team structure.
The team “Alpiq Thömus – Young” has been newly positioned and is aimed specifically at national riders in the U15 to U19 categories, forming the first performance level within the development pyramid.
At the international level, the U23 elite team “Thömus Akros – Youngstars” is already well established and has strengthened its position in international competition in recent years.
Together, these two teams form the foundation of Thömus maxon’s structured talent development programme – with the clear ambition of building the world-class riders of tomorrow.
New race equipment: innovation as a key success factor
To achieve its sporting ambitions, the team continues to rely on cutting-edge technology. Main sponsor Thömus presents the revised Lightrider R3 Worldcup 2026 – the world champion bike in an optimised version – providing the team with the perfect equipment to reach its ambitious goals.
With consistent development work and the ambition to remain at the forefront of technology, the Swiss bike manufacturer keeps pace with international competition and continues to set new standards.
Outlook
With continuity in its elite squad, strengthened youth development, new partnerships and advanced technology, Thömus maxon enters the 2026 season with clear ambitions: competing for victories at the highest level of international cross-country racing.