Matej Mohorič's victory at last year's UCI Gravel World Championships riding a new and as yet unreleased SILEX model was a "double" milestone in the Slovenian's competitive career and in the history of MERIDA products.
Source: press release
Inspired by bike packing and adventure riding, the SILEX demonstrated itself in all its versatility and this revisitation, accompanied by Matej's world championship victory, brought out all the quality of the bike. With such an important success behind us, MERIDA has decided to create a unique example of SILEX to celebrate this extraordinary achievement.
The World Championship SILEX features the five rainbow colors in a spiral shape positioned on the top tube and inside the fork, a graphic element that features sharp edges and straight lines, reflecting the modern and decisive design of the new SILEX. The rear of the bike also sports a stone-like finish, which represents the meaning of the word SILEX, a Latin term for stone, pebble or flint.
On the outside of the fork is Matej's nickname, MOHO, while the top tube features an owl along with some tools: a book, a rake and a walking stick. For Matej, in fact, they are not three simple objects, but they are bearers of an important message. The owl and the textbook symbolize study and science, elements that are very close to his heart; the rake references Matej's origins and upbringing, growing up on a farm, while the elegant walking stick alludes to his passion for fashion and style.
Matej Mohoric
Matej Mohorič participated in all phases of the design of "his" exclusive SILEX, and the final result made him even more satisfied: «I'm honest: I love my new SILEX. Every time I use it, it reminds me why I started cycling and how happy it makes me." Certainly, the Slovenian cyclist does not forget the road objectives of the season:«Obviously I also love the REACTO, but sometimes I almost look at it as a work tool. SILEX is different. I cycle with her above all for fun and for the sense of adventure, and she is able to give me new emotions. SILEX represents not only concentration and commitment to high performance, but also the pure joy of pedaling and feeling alive and connected to nature - comments Matej Mohoric – and I'm proud to be the current World Champion and can't wait to show off the gorgeous paint job at this year's gravel races. Really excited».
Finally, just above the bottom bracket, the bicycle displays Matej's full name, the place and distance of his victory: Lago Le Bandie – Pieve di Solingo, 8 October 2023, 167,7 km and 4:53”56', that is, the final time of his world ride. Last, but certainly not least, the hashtag #RIDEFORGINO, a key message for Matej and for the entire Team Bahrain Victorious in memory of Gino Mäder.
For more information www.merida-bikes.com/it-it
