Näf ends season early due to injury

Ralph Naef (Multivan Merida Biking Team)

Ralph Naef (Multivan Merida Biking Team) (Image credit: Tour of Japan)

Mountain biker Ralph Näf announced on Tuesday that he is quitting the 2011 racing season early due to health concerns. A persistent pain in his back has only gotten worse in recent weeks, and the Swiss rider does not feel he can compete with the world's elite at this time.