In 2017, a very special regional mountain bike team was founded in Münstertal, right in the heart of the Black Forest: Team Marder Stop&Go. The idea behind it was to create a team that allows young athletes to combine competitive sports with vocational training. In a world where professional sports often mean having to choose one path or the other, this team focuses on the sustainable, long-term development of its riders.
The concept came from talented local athletes, and today, the team’s riders come from Freiburg, Staufen, and Münstertal. Many of them started their athletic journey in local cycling clubs before making the leap into competitive sports through Marder Stop&Go.
Personal Responsibility as the Key to Success
Together with its namesake main sponsor, an environment has been created that offers ambitious athletes the best possible conditions. Team manager Hans-Jörg Schelb describes the motivation behind the project like this: “We want to provide young, dedicated athletes with the framework to pursue their passion at the highest level. A symbiosis of school, university, vocational training, career, and elite sports – and a way to give something back to society.”
What truly sets this team apart: apart from one full-time mechanic, the riders manage themselves independently. There are no rigid hierarchies or top-down management calling the shots. The athletes take on responsibility – from organizing race-day meals to finding sponsors and booking flights to Brazil.
This structure has not only strengthened the team spirit but also greatly boosted the athletes' personal development. Lasse Reuss, who joined the pro team shortly after it was founded and is now studying mathematics and sports at the University of Freiburg, puts it like this: “When I think about how much I’ve grown through all of this, it’s honestly pretty cool.”
This self-organization gives the athletes the opportunity to grow, take on responsibility, and make bold decisions on their own. A major milestone for the team was Julian Schelb’s participation in the Games in Paris last year – proof that the concept works. But it's not just about athletic success – it’s also about the personal development of each rider, because growth happens on many levels.
Three years ago, the junior team was launched. The goal: to systematically support young talent and prepare them for competitive sports in the long term – essentially guiding them step by step towards the pro level. Vincent Dorn, himself part of the elite team, took on the leadership of the junior team and coached riders up to the U19 level. “It’s about making sure something is coming up behind us – that the younger generation is excited to get involved and actively shape the future.”
Quality Over Price – CUORE as the Partner of Choice
A team with such high standards also needs top-tier gear. When it came to choosing their outfitter, one thing was clear: quality comes first. The connection to CUORE was established through Lasse Reuss, who was convinced by the products early on. “Back then, my dad gave me a pair of laser-cut bib shorts. I loved them right away – the chamois was insane!”
Regular visits to the CUORE office, including at Stages Cycling’s Zwift rides, eventually led to a connection with Florian Lickert. Since this year, the entire team relies on CUORE’s quality – and we’re excited to support them this season.
