Ralph Näf. MOUNTAIN BIKER, WORLD CHAMPION, TEAM LEADER.

Ralph Näf from Thurgau was among the best mountain bikers in the world for many years. Ralph gave the starting signal for his international breakthrough at the U23 World Championships in Kaprun in 2002, when only Julien Absalon was faster.

Then came win after win. The young man from eastern Switzerland won the first European Championship title in 2003, followed by the Swiss Championship title in 2004. And in 2005, he won his first World Cup race in Scotland. At the European Championships in 2006, he won three medals within seven days (marathon, team gold, XC bronze), and only a short time later, he won his first rainbow jersey at the Marathon World Championships in France. Ralph also proved how strong his nerves are at the World Championships: he won silver in Fort William and bronze in Val di Sole. In 2012, he became the first Eliminator World Champion in history. In 2015, he ended his career as a professional and became team manager of the RN Racing Team, now Thömus maxon Swiss Mountain Bike Racing Team.

In partnership with sponsor and bike manufacturer Thomas Binggeli, the continuous support concept with the Thömus maxon Swiss Mountain Bike Racing Team has now been created, which he leads as team manager.

Thanks to his years of experience and open manner, Ralph is the ideal team manager. He is an excellent motivator and supports his athletes around the clock with helpful tips. His positive attitude and easy-going nature helps the team to keep their focus even before the most important races.

In his private life, Näf is happily married and has three children. Besides mountain biking, coffee is his great passion. Together with professional cyclist Michael Albasini, he runs Caffe Passione and sells fine coffee.

His commitment to the ÖKK Bike Revolution race series, which he initiated and co-founded in 2021, also shows that Swiss mountain biking is very close to his heart.