MERIDA Bikes 2014 - international

cal demand of the race courses increases continuously.”
And José Hermida adds, “In turn,
the new talents benefit from our experience – for
instance in terms of coping with stressful situations
during a race.” The team’s frequent collective
appearances show that these words are
anything else than empty. “Training or checking
trails with Gunn-Rita and José is unbelievably
instructive,” Thomas Litscher (24) rejoices.
“They have already experienced all imaginable
situations and stay calm whatever may happen.“
But not only riding skills and tactics are essential
for the life of an MTB pro. “Each minute off the
saddle is equally important for a constant performance
– the experience of Gunn-Rita and José
helps us succeed also in this regard,” the team’s
second newcomer – Ondrej Cink (23) – underlines
the perfect cooperation. “In addition, both
are real superstars but characterized by a totally
impressive relaxedness.” Thomas Litscher’s and
Ondrej Cink’s first podium positions in the early
season prove the fertileness of this new team
constellation.
So far one of the five athletes is still missing –
and those who get to know the multiple Dutch
National Champion Rudi van Houts (29) will
quickly notice that he by no means is a “fifth
wheel” but rather someone who assumes responsibility.
“Until last year, I was the youngest
team member and ready to learn – now I can
pass on parts of my experience. But I still know
exactly how the two youngsters feel.” Ergo: Rudi
van Houts is nothing less than the perfect link
between two generations of racing pilots. And as
such, he enjoys the possibility to make sure that
the MULTIVAN MERIDA BIKING TEAM will again
rank among the world’s best XC teams at the end
of the season.
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