Out for the Stöckli Pro Team

A few days ago, we received the news that Stöckli is ending its commitment to its Pro Team. With his Pro Team, Stöckli was really prominent, team manager and riders are among the best mountain bike racers in the world. Stöckli's decision comes as something of a surprise at first, as the team was very successful.

Reasons for the decision
That's why we wanted to get to the bottom of the matter and asked Stöckli what the reasons were for the end of the commitment. David Kistler, Stöckli's new head of marketing, was there to answer our questions. He commented on the reasons as follows: "At the end of the season, we made an analysis of the situation. Through the Pro Team, which took part in international races, we had an international presence with our brand, although we are only active on the Swiss market. Sponsoring an international racing team is disproportionate from this point of view. We only want to focus on the Swiss market." Of course, it is clear to all involved and uninvolved that sponsoring such a high-profile team also entails corresponding costs. Stöckli is now saving itself these costs. Stöckli's argumentation is plausible and understandable, especially when one considers that the sports market in Switzerland is tight. The ski market in Switzerland and worldwide has shrunk noticeably in recent years, and important margins in the Swiss bike industry have been lost in recent years. One can therefore assume that Stöckli is also feeling the market changes, and that Stöckli is also increasingly questioning the sense or nonsense of its expenditures. If our assumptions in this regard are correct, Stöckli's decision also makes sense from a business perspective. It is regrettable, but the decision will probably have to be accepted. But there is also something very encouraging to report: The commitment of the nationally oriented Stöckli Racing Team and the associated support of 47 athletes will continue.

We also wanted to ask the athletes concerned about this and contacted them about Stöckli's decision.

Ralph Näf
What consequences does Stöckli's decision have for you?
For me it was his super year with the company Stöckli, it's a pity that we have to look for a new main sponsor. Stöckli was the perfect partner for a Swiss MTB team. Unfortunately we have to reduce the budget and the team for next year, but our plan is to compete in the World Cup with 3 riders in 2017 and add more young riders in 2018.

What's next, do you already have something in sight?
We have the commitment of a bike manufacturer, but are still looking for a main sponsor and co-sponsors.

Mathias Flückiger
How long have you known about Stöckli's decision?
I knew about it since the return trip from the Olympics.

Were you very surprised by Stöckli's decision?
Not directly, there were rumors for a few months. But in the end I was surprised.

What consequences does this have for you?
That I need a new team or sponsors.

What's next, do you already have something in sight?
Yes, I have a few opportunities coming up, my goal is to have my own team again.

Jolanda Neff
In Jolanda's place, Janine Geigele, Jolanda Neff's manager, answered us: "Jolanda found out about the Stöckli decision a few days after returning from Rio. As soon as we know for which team she will ride next season, we will be happy to communicate that."

We wish all affected drivers and crew members good luck in their search for sponsors.