One could hardly wish for a better start to the season. Around three weeks before the start of the German Cycling Cup at the cycling classic around Cologne on Easter Monday, Daniel Knyss achieved his first win of the season on Mallorca. After almost 100 kilometers from Inca through the mountains to Arenal, our Cologne team captain was able to celebrate. In the race, which was characterized by heavy rainfall, Friedrich Schweizer also achieved third place.
Both were always at the level of the racing action. First, the riders faced the Col de Puig Major, the highest mountain on the island. On the ascent, a leading group of around 20 riders formed, which was to decide the victory among themselves. On the descent from the Col de Soller, Matthias Nothegger tried his luck in flight, but Daniel Knyss caught the breakaway and clinched a solo win. His team colleague Friedrich Schweizer also attacked from the chasing group and thus laid the foundation for the great team success.
Our main sponsor, Markus Adam, was also delighted: “This is a great start to the season. The Merkur Cycling Team was able to prepare very well for the season at the joint training camp. Daniel is in good form and, with the support of the team, will aim to repeat last year's victory at his home race.”
But while part of the team was able to celebrate on Mallorca, there was also a fall to cope with at home. Our newcomer Alexander Loos had to have stitches on his lip after the race in Zusmarshausen. After a visit to his family doctor in Plauen, however, he was given the green light to start training again. So nothing should stand in the way of a deployment at the start of the season on Easter Monday.