Monique Halter Signs First Professional Contract with Thömus maxon
Former U19 World- and U23 European Champion Monique Halter (SUI) has signed her first professional contract with the Swiss mountain bike team Thömus maxon. The 22-year-old rider from Appenzell has signed a deal running until the end of 2028, becoming the first athlete to progress through the entire Thömus development pathway – from Thömus Akros Youngstars to the professional Thömus maxon team.
When Monique Halter joined Thömus Akros Youngstars seven years ago, it marked the beginning of a long-term development journey. Step by step, the young talent worked her way to the top of both the national and international scene. Podium finishes, race victories, international titles and, most recently, her first U23 UCI World Cup victory are a testament to her impressive sporting progression.
Now comes the next logical step: with immediate effect, Halter joins Thömus maxon as a professional rider. Her contract runs until the end of 2028, underlining the team’s long-term confidence in the talented mountain biker and her continued development.
A Young Athlete with Big Ambitions
“Signing my first professional contract means an incredible amount to me. It’s the beginning of my professional career and, at the same time, a huge reward for all the hard work, discipline and success of the past years,” says Halter. “At Thömus Akros Youngstars, I had the perfect environment to develop, and I always looked up to the riders of Thömus maxon. Becoming part of this team myself makes me incredibly proud and motivates me even more. I’m looking forward to learning from the experience within the professional team and continuing to develop step by step.”
A Milestone for Rider Development
For Marcel Kuratli, Team Manager of Thömus Akros Youngstars, the move represents far more than a sporting achievement.
“Monique has spent exactly seven seasons with our team. During that time, we’ve celebrated many successes together while also overcoming some challenging moments. Watching her develop over all these years has been something truly special for us.”
He is particularly proud that, for the first time, an athlete has completed the entire journey through the team’s own development structure and reached the professional squad.
“For us, this proves that sustainable talent development works. We provide young riders with the support they need to take the next step. We develop world-class athletes.”
A Gradual Transition Until the End of the Season
The transition has been deliberately planned as a gradual process. Monique Halter will continue to compete in the remainder of the U23 UCI World Cup season with Thömus Akros Youngstars and travel to races with her current team. At the same time, she will gradually be integrated into the day-to-day operations of Thömus maxon while benefiting from the support of both team structures.
Her full integration into the professional team will take place after the end of the season. Throughout the winter months, Halter will have sufficient time to adapt to her new environment, professional routines and the demands of competing at the highest international level.
The Next Step in a Long-Term Vision
By signing Monique Halter, Thömus maxon continues to pursue its long-term commitment to developing young talent. Team Manager Ralph Näf explains why the team deliberately opted for a long-term agreement:
“We want to give Monique the security and the time she needs to establish herself within the professional team step by step. A contract covering the next two and a half seasons allows her to grow in a professional environment and benefit from the experience of our riders. We are convinced that she has the potential to establish herself among the world’s best, and we are fully committed to supporting her on that journey.”