The Swiss rider is competing in his first season as the standard bearer of Mauro Bettin's XC team.
Following the departure of Gerhard Kerschbaumer, who joined Specialized, the Torpado-Ursus XC team has undergone a technical overhaul. General manager Mauro Bettin's new project focuses on developing young talents such as Italians Martin Mina and Manuel Capra, Denmark's Oliver Vedersø Sølvhøj, and Austria's Mario Bair. Only one Elite rider has been named to support the Under 23s: Marcel Guerrini.
TORPADO-URSUS: HUNGER FOR VICTORIES
The common denominator of the group selected by Bettin is "hunger." While for the young riders, ambition stems from a desire to emerge, for Marcel, motivation comes from deep within. So what is his battle? The answer lies in the Swiss rider's history.
MARCEL GUERRINI
Accustomed to competing on mountain bikes since the age of seven, Guerrini established himself as one of the top prospects on the Swiss and international scene. His familiarity with the steps began to become clear in 2010: second in the Swiss XC Under-17 Championships, second overall in the national cup. The eyes of the experts were on him even when, three years later, he returned to second place in the Swiss Cup and qualified for the World Cup.
Marcel's impressive results launched his international career. In 2014, at the age of twenty, he qualified for a world championship for the first time. At the national level, he reshaped the rankings: at the end of the season, he finished fifth in the U23 championship, and the following year he managed to win a respectable bronze medal. His 2016 season saw him crowned Swiss champion : a bronze medal at both the World Championships and the European Championships, establishing himself as one of the most exciting young riders of his generation. The rider was ready to enter the elite of the specialty, where he remained among the top 20 riders, at least until his knee became inflamed.
For Marcel, it's the beginning of the most difficult period of a previously idyllic career: his knee is causing him constant pain. It's not improving. The Swiss rider struggles to heal, can't train consistently, and is forced to abandon his scheduled goals. No European Championships, no more World Championships. Marcel has no choice but to stop, but the break turns out to be longer than expected. Everything he's worked for his entire life seems to be disappearing: the medals, the cheering fans, the adrenaline of the race. Guerrini works for a while as a bartender, but he doesn't give up hope. He'll be back in the saddle.
A NEW CHALLENGE
The opportunity came thanks to Mauro Bettin, who signed him to the Torpado-Ursus team. At twenty-six, Marcel Guerrini still has time to pursue his dream: to prove to the world that he can return to being one of the fastest riders on the international scene. Today, the hardest months seem to be just ahead.
With the battle finally behind him, our standard-bearer, along with his new teammates, is pushing hard. His best form seems imminent.
URSUS KODIAK, ALONGSIDE THE TORPADO-URSUS TEAM
Supporting the efforts of our XC #Gladiators is Kodiak , the official wheelset of the Torpado Ursus team, which has been further improved mechanically this year. The main new feature is the introduction of the new Ursus XD50 flange hubs , made in Italy components designed to effectively counteract braking force, thus ensuring reliable and long-lasting performance. These disc brake hubs give Kodiak champion-level smoothness, thanks to the micron-low tolerances with which they are produced. Finally, the XD50s are equipped with seals that ensure maximum resistance to dust, rain, and mud. This means that the fluidity of the Torpado wheels supplied to our riders will remain stable over time, giving their attacks an extra chance of success.
