In 2012, Elise Chabbey was a canoeist at the London Olympics. During her medical studies, she started running and cycling and was finally able to compete for Switzerland in the 2019 World Championships. 

Instead of getting ready for the spring classics and the Olympics, you went back to the hospital and worked as a doctor to help treat patients suffering from Corona. Can you give us some insight into your thoughts and feelings?

Initially, I was really disappointed that the races were cancelled, I didn't understand the magnitude of the situation. However, once I was asked to help at the hospital, I quickly came to terms with it because I had no short-term goals for cycling and so it's hard to train and keep motivated. So I started to work at the hospital last week and I don't regret it. I'm lucky to be able to help during this time, unlike most people who have to stay at home. I see it as an opportunity and I think that sport is pretty secondary right now. I hope that when the time comes to compete again, I'll be proud of my choice.

You are really versatile. In your opinion, what are the keys to success?

The key is to have fun. For me training has to be enjoyable. If on the day I don't feel like getting on my bike and I'd rather go running, then I do that even if it’s not on my schedule. The most important thing is to keep motivated!

You were a canoeist alone in the forest of poles in wild water. What were the greatest challenges in becoming a cyclist in terms of technique, tactics and performance?

Kayaking is a very technical sport. When I transitioned to cycling, I had to learn to ride a peloton, let go with my hands and a few other technical aspects, but the main thing is physical. And I realised that what I prefer in sport is to push yourself physically and set new limits for yourself. And I find that in cycling and endurance sports.

Many cyclists are currently preparing outdoors and indoors for the season. What are your main training tips?

This is a tough time for anyone in sports, I think it is important to stay motivated by adding as much variation to training as possible. It might be better to shorten the trainings or to go twice daily with a few more intervals. You can also add core or other strength training to switch things up.

Do you have a secret to share?

I don't really have a secret, what works for me is variety in sports and enjoyment, that's what I recommend to stay motivated!

Foto: ZVG