Just 22 years, Fabio Christen is making a name for himself on the European cycling scene. This young Swiss runner, member of the Q36.5 Procycling Team, demonstrated promising potential during the 18 last months. This rising talent looks set to play a major role in the future of cycling, especially since he is supported by his younger brother Jan, who races for UAE Team Emirates. Ensemble, these two Swiss brothers could well write a new page in cycling in Switzerland, and beyond.
Background
ONE : Is there a specific discipline or type of terrain where you feel particularly comfortable? ?
FC : I like all hilly runs with short climbs, where you have to have a good punch. I think I can perform well in the classics as well as the short stage races.
ONE : Your brother Jan races for UAE Team Emirates. Is there sibling rivalry or is it more of a source of motivation for you? ?
FC : There is no rivalry between the two of us. It’s more of a motivation and it’s really nice that we can share our profession. There are things we can both learn from each other.
ONE : As a trained sales employee, how did you balance your education with your cycling career ?
FC : It was not always easy to combine studies, training and racing. But I think it shows you even more what a privilege it is to be a professional athlete now..
ONE : You have participated in various cycling disciplines, including cyclo-cross. What benefits do you think this brings to road racing? ?
FC : I did a lot of track racing when I was younger, but not too much cyclo-cross. I think I learned on the track how to ride well in the peloton and position myself for the sprints.
ONE : Your family has a strong cycling tradition, with your father and grandfather who were also cyclists. How has this influenced your development as an athlete? ?
FC : They didn't push us, my brother and me, to start cycling. We both played football when we were younger. But when we decided to take up cycling, they really supported us. And of course, they were able to share their experiences with us. I have always admired my grandfather who did the Tour. I think it's pretty unique to have so many family members who have competed at the professional level in cycling.
Preferences and Goals
ONE : You have recently achieved impressive results, like your place in the top 5 of the general classification of the Arctic Race of Norway. How do you prepare yourself mentally and physically for such demanding races? ?
FC : I took a short break after the national championships and a long first part of the season. Ensuite, I prepared for the second part of the season with a high altitude camp at the Bernina Pass, then I went straight to Norway. It was really good that it went so well.
ONE : You seem to have good speed in sprints. What aspects of your training allow you to excel in these situations ?
FC : I don't really know, but I have always had a good sprint and I stand out even more in long sprints. I perform particularly well in sprints after difficult stages with a significant difference in altitude..
ONE : Did you have a role model or idol when you were younger who inspired you to pursue a career in cycling? ?
FC : I watched with passion runners like Tom Boonen and Miguel Indurain, who gave me this irresistible desire to become, au minimum, professional and perform at a high level.
ONE : Fillipo Colombo recently joined your team after a serious injury. A great pleasure to see him again ?
FC : Yes, Exactly, It’s really nice to have him back. And he has so much talent for road racing too. I'm really looking forward to doing more races with him.
ONE : After a season and a half among the pros, which races were your favorite ?
FC : The races I like the most are the difficult one-day races. If you want me to mention a race, I would say the Tour of Flanders.
I would like to warmly thank Fabio Christen for his availability and kindness during this interview. His humility and passion for cycling are inspiring, and I wish him the best for the rest of his promising career.
