Thömus maxon signs Charlie Aldridge and reshapes its sporting structure
Swiss mountainbike team Thömus maxon is taking the next step for the future, placing a strong focus on new structures, international expertise, and targeted performance development. The signing of British rider Charlie Aldridge, who will become the team’s first international rider, marks a key milestone in this process. The goal is to raise the performance level of the entire squad while maintaining the team’s strong Swiss roots and ambition to compete at the top of international mountain biking.
The signing of Charlie Aldridge represents an important step in Thömus maxon’s international development. The 25-year-old Scot brings an impressive track record for 2026, including two European Championship titles, two World Championship silver medals, and victory in the final World Cup race of the season.
Crucially, Aldridge will not be joining the team alone. Phil Dixon and Kenta Gallagher, two longtime close associates, will become part of the team’s athletic staff. Dixon will take on the role of Sports Director, while Gallagher will serve as Race Coach and Test Rider. Their arrival brings new perspectives, established working relationships, and additional expertise to the team’s structures, benefiting not only Aldridge but the entire squad.
Aldrige: «The team culture is a perfect fit for me»
Aldridge is excited about the move and the opportunity to continue working with his trusted team: «During my first conversations with Ralph Näf, it was clear to me that I would be a great fit with Thömus maxon. The team culture aligns perfectly with my training style and the things that are important to me both on and off the bike! The bikes from Thömus and the equipment from our other partners are top-notch. My coach Phil and my technical coach Kenta are also joining the team with me, so we can maintain the momentum we’ve built up over the past four years.»
By bringing this established trio into its structures, Thömus maxon is combining international racing experience with continuity in coaching and technical development. The new setup is designed to support individual riders more closely while creating additional opportunities for collaboration, testing, and performance gains across the team.
Näf: «To remain competitive, we need to invest more»
Team Manager Ralph Näf explains the reasons behind the changes: «The level of competition is constantly rising, and the gaps at the top are getting smaller and smaller. To remain competitive, we need to invest more in rider support, equipment development, and the people behind the team. It was clear to us that we had to invest in these areas to continue competing for victories.»
New Sports Director Phil Dixon is aiming for great success with Thömus maxon: «My job is the support everyone on the journey to the top of the podium. The vision for the team is to see everyone pulling in the same direction and working together to achieve the goals we set as a team. I want to see riders enjoying themselves trying to be the best world and not being afraid to make mistakes. It is an important part of the process.»
Continuity at the core and the fruits of long-term youth development
Alongside the new appointments, Thömus maxon continues to rely on the experience and performance of its established leaders. Contract extensions for Mathias Flückiger and Alessandra Keller reaffirm the mutual trust between the athletes and the team and provide continuity as the new structures take shape. Both riders play a central role in shaping the athletic direction of Thömus maxon and serve as important points of reference for the further development of the squad. The combination of experienced key performers and new expertise is intended to create the conditions for sustained athletic development and continued success at the highest level.
The development of young athletes also remains a key part of the team’s strategy. After Monique Halter made the move from the Thömus Akros Youngstars devo team to the Thömus maxon professional team during the 2026 season, her younger brother Nicolas (20) will follow her for the 2027 season. The Halter siblings will have the opportunity to develop further in a performance-oriented environment and benefit from direct interaction with experienced top athletes. At the same time, they bring their own perspectives and energy to their collaborative efforts.
Greater pepth, more interaction, shared goals
With the further development of its roster, Thömus maxon is pursuing a clear goal: In the men’s and women’s races, multiple athletes should be able to compete for top positions in the future. To achieve this, individual athletic qualities alone will not be the only deciding factor. Daily interaction during training, coaching, and competition preparation is also intended to raise the performance level of the entire team. Thömus maxon thus combines its Swiss roots with a clear international ambition to maintain a lasting position at the top of international mountain biking.