Without a team, with used equipment, and still winning: the case of Maximilian Brandl

The start of the 2026 season is not being easy for Maximilian Brandl (28). After winning last weekend in La Nucía, the German biker, one of the regular names in the world top in XCO and Short Track, has publicly confirmed that he is facing this start of the year without a team and without a professional structure, despite having signed a two-season contract with Lapierre last year.

Maximilian Brandl starts the season as a private rider after losing his team despite having a contract

The situation is explained by the disappearance of the Lapierre structure at the end of the 2025 season, which left Brandl without sports and economic support for this season. A particularly delicate circumstance after a complicated year, marked by several injuries that affected his performance, although he still managed to achieve regular results within the Top 10 in the Short Track events of the World Cup.

Last weekend, Brandl reappeared in competition in La Nucía, where he achieved a victory of great sporting value, defeating top-level rivals like Sebastian Fini and Riley Amos. Even then, it was striking to see him compete with the German federation's equipment and the same Lapierre XR he competed with last year, an image that now makes complete sense.

RECOMENDADO

The Movistar star Cian Uijtdebroeks fractures his elbow

Aleix Espargaró acquires Tadej Pogačar's Colnago Y1Rs: "the racing bike of the best cyclist in history"

How does the UAE Team Emirates-XRG train for the season?

A movie about Lance Armstrong is coming, and actors have already been selected

We assembled an exclusive BH Lynx SLS under 8.5 kg ready to compete

The SCOTT gravel team strengthens with five new signings

In his statement, Brandl himself explains the personal and sporting moment he is going through: “Another day where this stupid situation with the team just drains all my energy. I've been in my training clothes since 7:00 AM, but I can't get up. So I consider the day lost and will try again tomorrow.”

The German confirms that, despite having a contract, he is facing the season without structural support, beyond institutional backing:

“Although I signed a two-year contract with my old team in 2025, I am now starting this season without any support, apart from that of my family and the German national team. The last few months have been extremely tough for me.”

In the absence of solutions, Brandl assumes that he will have to compete as a private rider, at least at the start of the season: “It has been a rollercoaster of disappointment and hope, but now it is clear that I have to organize myself as a private rider.”

Despite everything, the victory in La Nucía has been an emotional turning point: “With my victory in La Nucía on Sunday, I have lifted some weight off my shoulders. I am in good shape and the direction towards the start of the World Series is clear.”

However, the German does not hide the material and logistical difficulties he faces: “There is still a long way to go, and competing with equipment that has mostly been used for over 10,000 km doesn’t help much.”

In the statement, Brandl thanks the occasional support he has already received, but makes it clear that the viability of his season is not guaranteed: “I am very grateful to the partners who are already supporting me and who have sent me equipment for these first races. But I am still looking for new partners who can support me financially and with equipment, as there is clearly a possibility that I won’t be able to carry on the season with the resources I have right now.”

Despite the emotional wear and accumulated distrust after the last few months, Brandl does not consider giving up: “I don’t want to just let it go. I have given so much for this sport and have fought to come back after so many injuries, illnesses, and other setbacks, that I simply don’t want to leave it like this.”

The situation of Maximilian Brandl once again highlights the fragility of many sports careers even at the highest level, where a restructuring or the disappearance of a team can leave top-level riders without support, even after signing valid contracts.