Life without a bike, how is that possible?
Of course, you can't do it without it, but I took over my father's specialist electrical shop six years ago and employ 16 people. That gives me my daily challenge. I mainly go biking to relax.
So back to your old job?
Yes, that's right. I did my master's degree in the electrical industry at the same time as my World Cup title, so I'm practically a "double master".
Have you never wanted to work in the bike scene?
Of course I did, but it didn't materialise. The path to taking over the business was practically predetermined. The work that Mike Kluge does at Focus would have appealed to me, but in the end things turned out differently and that's a good thing.
But you still have something to do with bikes?
Yes, fortunately, after all, it's a big part of my life. Together with my partner, we look after the youngest bike riders (aged eight to 14) in our club. I train young cross-country riders and put together race plans for them. I still actively take part in some races in the area, give bike courses and run training weeks in Sardinia. This keeps me in touch with the bike scene.
Are you still in contact with your former opponents?
I still meet many riders from the past at the races. The international bikers less so. Four years ago, the UCI organised a meeting with all the former world champions at the World Championships in Sierra Nevada. They served up some really old stories - it was great fun.
Cross-country or downhill - which did you prefer?
I liked both equally. On the downhill, however, it became increasingly difficult to keep up. When the BMX cracks came to the downhill, I was left behind. What the boys could do was no longer within my reach. I was no longer able to acquire these technical skills. I then focussed entirely on cross country and that was rewarded with the European Championship title.
What was the best day of your career?
That's a simple question (laughs)! Of course, the World Championship title is the greatest thing for any athlete. Everything was just right, the run was perfect and everything fell into place. I think if I had won a second title, the first would still be the greatest.
And the worst day?
I didn't really have any bad days. Fortunately, I never had any bad crashes or injuries. But perhaps the 1991 European Downhill Championships was such a bad day. I was already on course for victory and was stopped by a flat tyre just before the finish. In hindsight, that was only positive for the World Championships, because I was able to go to the start without any pressure. The eyes were not fixed on me and I became world champion!
What will the future bring?
Hopefully only good things. I will refine and optimise the business. I never wanted to be mediocre, neither in sport nor in my career. In the bike sector, I will continue to support young riders. In my new project with bike-explorer.ch, I will scout out attractive bike trails in Switzerland and record them on CD.
