The Topeak-Ergon Racing Team is a fixture in the MTB endurance racing circuit. The team is reorganizing itself for the coming year and is increasingly focusing on the marathon discipline. The European marathon champion and third-place finisher at the 2012 World Championships, Kristian Hynek, was signed. Together with the reigning European Champion Alban Lakata and the German Champion Robert Mennen, the Koblenz racing team will undoubtedly have one of the strongest long-distance ensembles in professional mountain biking in the coming season. The women continue to rely on the skills of Sally Bigham, who was probably the most successful marathon driver last year.
Hynek has long been the preferred candidate of Vice World Champion Alban Lakata. He will probably contest the big stage races like the Cape Epic and the Transalp with the Czech. "Kristian is currently one of the best marathon cyclists in the world", said the visibly pleased Austrian. “I think he fits perfectly into our team, both in terms of sport and personality. After all, he was my number one when looking for a driver.”
At the same time, three women are leaving the Topeak-Ergon team. After seven successful years, Irina Kalentieva and Topeak-Ergon go their separate ways, but the cooperation with Ergon remains. Nadine Rieder and Milena Landtwing are also leaving the team, which underlines the focus on the marathon discipline.
“So far we have been at the absolute top level both in cross-country and in marathons. But in order to continue to play at the top, we have to focus more on one format in the future. In addition, the marathon simply fits our brands better.”, explains RTI founder and managing director Franc Arnold.