...a nice trailer from our Danish friends...

Hi there Everybody,

We’re back from the OutDoor Trade Show in Friedrichshafen … and ‘cause so many of you asked how it was we decided to post a little collection of best-moment pics for you.

First of all it was hot – not only the set-up, but the entire show in and around our little barn. It felt like 45°C and 100% sunshine while we endlessly screwed boards to beams and beams to beams and so on and on and on …. but in the end we made it and our authentic barn was neatly assembled right in time for the opening of the Friedrichshafen show.

The evening before the doors opened we presented the new “AlpAppeal” summer 2011 collection to our sales reps to get some first reactions and feedback – every season this moment is one of the most exciting ones for us. The show itself took place at tropical temperatures … but our barn is pretty airy and the atmosphere and climate were great. Not only regarding the temperature, but the really positive responses from our dealers made us feel good, too ;o)) So, you all can look forward to a superb bike season summer 2011….

The trade-show marathon continues – come and visit at the BikeExpo in München (outdoor area). We’d love to see you!

 
Take care – Your malojans

Ciao all you malojans,
 
last week the X-Terra European Championship took place in Sardinia.

The last time I participated in this superbly organized competition was three years ago. I really longed to return to this fantastic place and to meet with some good old Sardinian friends again. The venue is directly on the crystal clear ocean with its pearly-white sandy beach, and reminds you more of a big party than a competition. The hospitality of the people here is indescribable – everybody congregates days before the event to eat and chat and then go for some training stints in that beautiful nature.

On the evening before the competition there is a so called „Pasta Party“… only that you are served barbecued prawns on a skewer and the party is in this relaxed beach setting. It took a conscious effort to keep remembering that the European Championship was on the next day, and that this is NOT a vacation J. 

The race started at 10.00 am with sunshine and best swimming conditions … the participants were top-level, so the challenge was more like a world cup.

I had spent the last weeks in South Africa surfing to activate my swim muscles. Unfortunately they still got sort of exhausted by the second round, so as usual I had to work my way from back to front on my bike. The course had few lovely flowing trails and some technical sandy downhill parts. After two rounds I reached fifth place in the change zone and rushed on for the running part. The course was made up of some dirt tracks and bits of deep sand along the water. On the second round a fast runner ultimately did pass me, so, in the end I crossed the finish line at sixth place J.

I’m staying with friends in Sardinia till June 11 and can’t wait for the maloja photo shooting.

Arrivederci
 
Nico

 
Hi there malojans!
 
After that “almost barefoot ride” I already told you about I had sort of mixed feelings at the start of the second First League race in Witten. I was excited about the new chance, but also nervous because I had high expectations, and of course I still had anger vented up inside and wanted to make that ruined weekend good again!!! Everyone had their eyes on this second race, and I bet my heart was not the only one that stopped when I stumbled on the steps after the swimming part and had to perform keen acrobatics to keep from falling J But that was probably the kick I needed to set my energy free. I had the last position in the bike race, so I had to make time, make time, make time … and I made it to the very front in the second change round and managed to shake off some pursuers. I reached the finish line right behind the world champion 2007, Daniel Unger, whom I`d been following for a while. I happily did the shake-hands with one of my team buddies (it was a relay race that morning). In summary: best bike and run times – that made it easier to laugh off the almost “dive” from before :o)))

The „chase“ was scheduled for late afternoon. Pretty heavy: a triathlon in the morning – short break, relax for a little while, discuss the tactics – and then head on to the next triathlon where the team goes for a parallel start. I am passionate about this sport, it fascinates me and I live it to the max. Maybe my team mates realized too how much terrific positive energy I get from it, because in the home stretch they lined up in a guard of honor for me. It was such a great feeling of bonding and togetherness – we’re only strong together! I want to thank my team mates for their confidence and for this great gesture!

Last but not least: What’s success without a celebration?! That night we lit up the grill and relaxed, enjoyed our barbecue and looked back at the day with joy and relief. The triathlon season has only just begun – so there is still more to come J

See you!  
Thomas

Dear Malojans,

The  first endurance test  of the season was on my agenda this year on May 15 in Weilheim, Bavaria: a 12h MTB World Championship.

Every year this race is my personal start to a series of long distance competitions and naturally it was my plan make first place for the fourth consecutive time.  This year it was the second world championship in this discipline, so I knew what was in store for me, and that I would  have to tackle strong competitors. I could only guess how good my fitness would be after a two month break from racing… so my attitude was a little bit hesitant – also due to the uncomfortable weather conditions (only 7°C and repeated rain showers). The weather over the past weeks had turned much of the track into slippery mudslides that called for caution.

I maintained steady timing on the rounds and tried to keep the initial lag time behind Ulrich Rose from the German FOCUS Team as short as possible. After seven hours I was able to take the lead, and quickly gained five minutes. I succeeded in keeping the advance to the end of the race and kept increasing my speed–it worked even though I was careful enough to avoid big risks on the dangerous downhill parts.

In the end I was able to celebrate my first 12h world championship … and thanks to the functional and excellent maloja equipment hardly experienced any problems despite the cold and the rain – apart from “demolishing” a pair of shoe covers and my leg-wear in a crash….

C U soon – Michi!