Disappointing Worldcup finals for the «Multivan Merida Biking Team

At Windham’s Worldcup finals, the Spaniard was riding within the leading positions for the entire race, but when the battle for victory broke loose he could not react. Finishing in seventh, he still delivered a respectable result and secured the overall victory in the team ranking for the «Multivan Merida Biking Team». Over the entire season no other team could match its strength.

However, the other riders of the team finished the race in unusual low positions. Be it Ralph Näf in 19th, Rudi van Houts in 33rd, Jochen Käß in 36th or Moritz Milatz in 45th, they all performed below their potential. Even if some mechanical issues caused a part of the deficits, team manager Andreas Rottler came to a clear conclusion: «We cannot be satisfied with this outcome. All the more as the world championships are coming up next week, and I’m expecting a whole lot more there.»

The riders also noted that they expected more of themselves at the world championships, as they all reported they were on target in terms of their form. However, bad luck or an off-day kept them from scoring a better result in the Worldcup’s final race.

José Hermida: «I feel good, but not super yet. I need some interval trainings now and the team relay race at the Worlds, then my form should peak right in time.»

Ralph Näf: «After Muttenz’ Racer Bikes Cup I was confident, but then I had problems with my back all week. I hoped everything would still work out as things improved day by day. My form would be spot-on, that’s not the problem.»

Moritz Milatz: «I felt super all week, right until today. On the first four laps I was suffering, but at least I was moving as well, but then it was all over. This year I simply lack in the necessary consistency.»

Rudi van Houts: «I was riding in about 15th to 20th position when I suffered a flat tire and then had to work my way through the field of starters again from all the way back. Still my form is good, I feel strong.»

Jochen Käß: «Right after the start, I got knocked off my bike. The handlebar was bent and the frame appears to be broken as well. Luckily everything held up for the entire race and I tried everything to move up in the rankings. Seen the circumstances I’m still satisfied with my result.»
 

Mountainbike world cup overall ranking 2010, teams:
1. Multivan Merida BikingeTeam, 374
2. Scott-Swisspower, 359
3. Orbea, 335
4. Specialized Factory Racing, 386
5. Cannondale Facotry Racing, 261

Mountainbike world cup overall ranking 2010, men:
1. Nino Schurter (SUI), 1136
2. Julien Absalon (FRA), 1040 (-96)
3. Jaroslav Kulhavy (CZE), 1040 (-96)
4. Florian Vogel (SUI), 795 (-341)
5. José Hermida (ESP), 795 (-341)
12. Ralph Näf (SUI), 488 (-552)
23. Jochen Käß (GER), 318 (-477)
24. Rudi van Houts (NED), 300 (-495)
25. Moritz Milatz (GER), 287 (-423)

Results mountainbike worl cup Windham, men:
1. Jaroslav Kulhavy (CZE), 1.39.28
2. Nino Schurter (SUI), 1.39.42, +0.14
3. Florian Vogel (SUI), 1.39.43, +0.15
4. Christoph Sauser (SUI), 1.39.45, +0.17
5. Lukas Flückiger (SUI), 1.40.12, +0.44
7. José Hermida (ESP), 1.40.47, +1.19
19. Ralph Näf (SUI), 1.45.10, +5.42
33. Rudi van Houts (NED), 1.48.24, +8.56
36. Jochen Käß (GER), 1.49.02, +9.34
45. Moritz Milatz (GER), 1.50.49, +11.21

 Team-Website: www.team-multivan-merida.com

Picture-Service: http://multivanmerida.sports-publishing.com