After 16 extremely successful years, MERIDA is coming to an end on 31 December 2016: as sponsor and operator of the MULTIVAN MERIDA BIKING TEAM (since 2004), MERIDA is withdrawing from Olympic cross-country racing (XCO). In addition to over 30 World Cup victories, 15 world championship titles, just as many European Championship gold medals and numerous national championship titles, the impressive collection of the most successful UCI mountain bike team of all time also includes an Olympic gold and silver medal. At the 2016 season finale in the Bikepark Vallnord/Andorra, the team once again emphasised its class with three second places just a few days ago.
The purely strategic decision to withdraw from mountain bike racing opens up the opportunity to "take on an observer role", as MERIDA Director of Sport Marketing Andreas Rottler emphasises. "MERIDA will certainly reappear in MTB racing after an orientation break."
Looking back on more than one and a half decades of internationally successful racing is characterised by outstanding team spirit: "On behalf of the entire team, I would like to express my sincere thanks for the long-standing commitment of all those who have supported us significantly on this successful journey," says team manager Fabian Aust, emphasising his team's solidarity with all parties involved.
Currently riding for the MULTIVAN MERIDA BIKING TEAM are José Antonio Hermida from Spain, Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesjå from Norway, Ondrej Cink from the Czech Republic and Thomas Litscher from Switzerland. MERIDA wishes all athletes and team members every success in their future endeavours.
Stefan Frey
Editor
