Interview : Johan Jacobs

Interview Johan Jacobs

 

Many people believed that Johan Jacobs would become one of the big stars in cyclocross but instead of that he started to hit the road. Nowadays he's the team mate of famous riders like Alejandro Valverde and Enric Mas. Let's have a nice talk today with the Swiss talent. Can he do in the classics what his countrymen Fabian Cancellara & Stefan Küng did? 

 

This year is your first year as a pro. Do you feel that it's a big change stepping up from U23?

Yes it‘s very diffrent, the level is high aswell is the pace. The big difference however is the way you race, when it‘s easy it‘s veeery easy. But when its hard, then it‘s really really hard.

You've finished 2nd in last years U23 edition of Paris-Roubaix. What are your long term ambitions in this race and what are your goals in other races?

Well last year was an indication that those are the races which suit me best. I will try to learn from the more experienced riders, and also help them where I can.

How do you maintain your condition during the corona crisis?

I live in Belgium. At the moment we are still allowed to ride outside, alone or with one friend. No grouprides , but I think many guys whoulf be happy now if they could ride outside. So for me my life is actually not much different then in othertimes. Train, rest, eat, sleep.

Fabian Cancellara from your homecountry is one of the best cyclists of this century. Did he inspire you?

Ofcourse Cancellara is a big rider and an inspiration.

Did you have other idols?

When I started cycling in the cycling club, I was really inspiref by the guys who were 4 or 5 years older than I. One of them was Fabian Lienhard, now he‘s pro at FDJ and we started our first Omloop together this year which was really cool!

You used to do cyclocross on a high level. Would you like to do some races again next Winter, just for fun?

I still like CX, and I would do it for fun but at the moment I have no plans.

What are your passions outside of cycling?

I really like cooking and baking, I can bake some good bread and cake :) Also like many cyclists I like coffee.

Do you believe in the strong effect of trainingcamps or you preffer to gain condition by more competition?

I like both, In my oppinion you can prepare a race perfectly with training. But I also like the feeling and the little extra you get (maybe it‘s just mental) of a race. I prefer a big trainingblock, a few preparation races and then the peak race.

Thank you for the interview, Johan! 

Interview Sarah Rijkes 

 

She's racing for some of the biggest teams in cycling, became national champion of Austria and she's been a team mate of some of the biggest names in women cycling. Her name is Sarah Rijkes and today we have the honour to have an interview with her. This season she'll try to lead Kirsten Wild and Lisa Brennauer to the victory. Hopefully, we can see her shining in the Austrian colours this season again too!

 

 

So far the national championship is the biggest victory in your carreer. Many riders are dreaming of wearing the national champions' jersey. How did you experience the year that you were wearing it?

For me it was a big surprise winning it and I couldn't have been prouder about what I achieved that day. In fact I still am. Wearing the flag of my country on my shoulders for one whole year, racing the biggest and most prestigious races was just an incredible feeling and to be honest, I really miss it. I was proud every single day, training or racing, when I put it on. It was also a big big motivation to keep working hard during winter or days when it just wasn't that easy. 

 

What are your favourite races?

for sure the spring classics. As I almost live in Belgium, I got taught 1 thing. These races are the "holy week" and Ronde van Vlaanderen is its queen.

How would you describe yourself as a rider?

I am kind of an alrounder and my higgest strength is for sure that I am a team player. I will all the time sacrifice myself 200% for the team and the team's goal. For me it doesn't matter if I or somebody else wins, WE win

You're 28 now, for many riders it's the start of the best years of their carreer. What are your goals on a short term?

Normally the spring classics would have been a big goal for me this year. Not to get a result myself, but to be there in the best possible shape to help our captains to get the best result possible. Due to the current situation everything changed and it's hard to make any plan. But (and I really really hope by then it's possible to race again) the national championships are a big big goals for me.

 

How did you start in competitive cycling?

As my name tells, I got Dutch roots. My father was dutch and as long as I remember he and we as a family have been out riding bikes. One day, i tried my mums race bike and wanted one myself, so my dad build up one from all the old components we still had at home. A friend of the family was a cyclist by then, and I also wanted to give it a try. But it took quit some time to convince my mum. ;)

Who were your cycling idols when you were a child/teenager?

Clearly Lance Armstrong.

What are your biggest passions outside of cycling?

I really love cooking and baking (and eating), reading, drinking coffee and just enjoying the sun.

Is cycling popular in Austria?

Actually it's almost non existent. Especially women's cycling. Theres no media interest at all and only little money from the federation.

So you're living in Belgium? Was it a big step for you to move to another country for your carreer?

to be honest it wasn't only for my career. My boyfriend is Belgian and as this is the centre of cycling it was an easy decision. Although I for sure miss home and my mum regularly. Luckily she comes over as often as possible.

Thank you for the interview, Sarah!