Posted on: 15-07-2024

MERIDA supports road racing with NHT neutral cars

You may have seen them flash by at Dutch or Belgian and even some German races: MG-VISION-MERIDA-NHT, or Nieuwe Hoop Tielen neutral car service. A passionate team of  Belgian racing enthusiasts provides neutral support for the riders in cycling races of all levels: from junior races to international multi-day elite competitions.

The large Merida logo on the cars stands out and can be seen from far away, as well as the green Merida Scultura racing bikes on the roof. On board is the driver and at least one mechanic, both of whom have the correct international UCI and national licenses for guiding cycling races. Nieuwe Hoop Tielen neutral cars has a large collection of Merida racing bikes to support the riders in the race where necessary, from breakaway to bunch sprint.

Merida racing bikes can of course be admired in the Tour de France and other World Tour races with Team Bahrain Victorious, but now also in the technical support of local races at all levels, women and men. Where most teams have their own follow-up car with spare material, it can of course happen that, for example, a breakaway is formed with a considerable lead over the peloton, as a result of which the own follow-up car cannot be fast enough to a rider with a breakdown. The neutral cars with the Merida Scultura bikes offer a solution in this case.

From regional amateur races to the professional World Tour: the volunteers of Nieuwe Hoop Tielen Merida neutral cars have a passion for following the race and providing support to the riders. Before the race, it is expertly mapped out which rider rides with which size brake discs so that the right material can be provided quickly during the race. Of course, the cars and motorcyclists have a race radio to be able to follow everything that is happening, and they have an additional communication system to be able to consult with each other.

Marketing manager Bart Oosting of Merida Benelux is happy with the extra visibility around races; ‘As a brand it is important to be visible, especially where the heart beats for cycling and road racing in general. Because we are a truly sporty brand, we also like to show ourselves in a sporty way. We think it is wonderful to be able to help cyclists of all levels during their races through our collaboration with the team of Nieuwe Hoop Tielen neutral cars!’

Some of the races where you can still encounter the Merida bikes and NHT cars this season are: Vermarc Cycling project, Watersley Junior challenge, Ronde van Brabant, Hel van Voerendaal, GP Yvonne Reynders Noorderwijk, Ronde van de Achterhoek, GP van Looy Herentals, GP Cerami and Binche-Chimay-Binche.

And do you want to experience for yourself how a Merida racing bike feels? Various models can be tested extensively in the Merida Experience Center! In addition, you can buy a new Merida Scultura racing bike from € 1,299.

More info? Follow MG-MERIDA-VISION-NHT neutral cars on facebook or have a look at our road bike models