Keystone
Switzerland regularly shines as the host of title competitions – as it is doing these days at the Cycling and Para-Cycling Road World Championships in Zurich. Is it also a good place to become a professional cyclist?
“Yes”, say all respondents (almost) without reservation. If you want to make it to the top of the world as a Swiss rider, you hardly have to put up with any disadvantages compared to the competition abroad – even if Switzerland is not a stronghold of road cycling. Although there are a few more obstacles to overcome than in Belgium or the Netherlands, for example, overcoming adversity is also formative in sport.
Jan Christen, who once wanted to be one of the greats, has long since left Switzerland. The UAE team with leader Tadej Pogacar has already signed the jewel as an 18-year-old in 2022. The man from Aargau cannot come to terms with the question of the opportunities, or lack of opportunities, in this country. “Ultimately, everything is up to the athlete. If you have the goal of becoming a professional in your head, I don’t see any disadvantage as a Swiss.”
His U23 colleague in national team kit, Fabian Weiss, says: “I feel that my colleagues abroad are putting their money on sport earlier. In Switzerland, you finish school or do an apprenticeship first.” But Weiss doesn’t want this to be seen as a disadvantage. “The second pillar also gives you a sense of security, which is liberating. You never know when you’ll be done with sport.” Switzerland also has top sports-friendly schools and employers. “The association with its support and the military also help,” emphasizes the top-class sports graduate.
Stefan Bissegger has a similar view. The Thurgau native has established himself among the pros and is one of the best in time trials. The sixth-placed cyclist at the Paris Olympics emphasizes: “Switzerland is a good country. You can cycle everywhere. The Swiss have money, and thanks to the training you are secure.” In addition, the Swiss cycling teams Tudor and Q36.5 have recently made the transition to professional cycling easier.
The whole thing is right
Patrick Müller, Head of Sport at Swiss Cycling, emphasizes the advantages: “In terms of sports science, coach training, junior projects, talent tracking, etc., we do a lot compared to other countries.” With the so-called VO2max test, it is relatively easy to determine who has potential in endurance sports. In addition to physical training, aspects such as technique, tactics and school/work are also important. “A top-class sports career that lasts around ten years is also possible in Switzerland,” Müller says. You start a little later in this country, but the all-round package is right.
The women’s national coach Edi Telser, a South Tyrolean, praises Switzerland. Getting into the professional game is a little more difficult because there are fewer teams or the school system delays the career somewhat. “But those who get through this phase are still fresh. They are not yet at their peak in training or, as is the case abroad, they are partly burnt out.”
Sharing with the mountain bike
“The good ones always make it,” says men’s national coach Michael Albasini. For various reasons, there is a lower concentration of talent in Switzerland, and they have a somewhat complicated path ahead of them. “We have to take more care of them than abroad.”
The ex-professional also points to another home-grown fact. “We have to share the talent with mountain biking.” Mountain biking is very suitable and popular as an introduction to cycling, also because the children don’t have to ride on the roads. “But some talents get stuck in the forest, even though they have more potential on the road.”
SDA