It wouldn’t have taken much for Stefan Bissegger to become the successor of Marc Hirschi. After an already successful season, the «Muni», or «bull», as he is called in the biking scene, cycled a spirited race and sprinted to silver at the UCI World Championships Road Race.

How did you find «your» day in Yorkshire? Can you give us an insight into your race and how you were feeling?

I already started the race under great pressure, as the entire tactical approach was designed for me. It was very hectic to start with, but we always had everything under control. Mauro Schmid was also in the key group with me, and he regulated everything until I pursued the decisive attack by the Norwegian Tobias Foss. When there was just the four of us, I knew that everything was possible. I was disappointed at the finishing line because it hadn’t been enough to reach the top of the podium. But afterwards I was naturally delighted and proud.

Before this race, you already secured yourself a contract with a professional team (EF Education First). However, this only starts after the Olympic Games in Tokyo, where you still want to participate with the 4-man Swiss track cycling team. What expectations and goals do you have for 2020?

The goals are clear. First of all, I would like to qualify for the Olympic Games in Tokyo and then, of course, achieve the best possible result. Afterwards, my goal is to gain a foothold in the WorldTour.

You are extremely successfully both on the track and on the road. What do you fundamentally believe are the three keys that lead to athletic success?

• Disciplined training
• Abstinence
• Ambition

Many amateur cyclists store their bikes in the cellar during the winter months. What are your training tips to ensure the new year is a success?

I do multi-sports as much as possible and, of course, keep an eye on my diet.

Do you have a secret tip you would be willing to share with us?

I don’t have one special tip. When training, however, it is important that you also take the appropriate rest days. When it comes to your diet, you definitely need to keep an eye on the quantity. You should “only” satisfy your hunger and not eat up all the leftovers in the pan at the end of the meal. Also make sure that what you eat before and during the sport is easily digestible and does not hamper your training.

Foto: ZVG