Interview Eva Lechner

She's a multiple times Italian champion in both cyclocross and mountainbike and her succes doesn't stop at the Italian borders. She's representing the Italian colours already for many years on the highest level for many years now. She won World Cups in both disciplines and made it to the Olympics as well. Eva Lechner is among the most complete athletes of her generation and she's ready to shine this season with her new Scarscasino team among her talented team mates. Let's get to know one of the best off road cyclists of this century.

You're competing in both the highest level of cyclocross and mountainbiking. It seems like you easily make the switch from the one bike to the other. How do you experience this change?

Maybe it looks easaly but it is not always like thatJ. But I never had problems to use another bike as also in training I use a lot the road bike. Butt he disciplence are also a bit similar. Both full gas and offroad. Just a bit more hilly in MTB. Of course I also alays need a few races to get the ritmn in the other dicipline but generally it doesn´t take to long and riding now already some years both discipines it makes it easier for sure.

You're racing among the elite since 2008 now, what are the most beautiful cycling moments from the past 12 years for you now?

I race since 2004 in the Elite category already. There are many nice moments to remember. It is difficult to choose. For sure even if it was dissapointing races for me the olimpics were pretty special to me but also a lot of Worlds I did in MTB and Cyclocross I had nice moments. For sure my first WC victory in both diciplinse were very special and I will never forget (2010 Houffalize for MTB and 2015 Hoogerheide for cyclocross)

You made a transfer to the Starcasino Team now, do you enjoy the atmosphere in your new team?

Yes a lot. The first meeting with the Team was really nice. It is like a big family and I feel very welcome in the Team. To have a good atmosphere in a Team is just so important for racing. I´m looking forard to this season.

What are your ambitions for the next cyclocross season?

It is all new with more WC races. But I would like to do well in the overal WC , Worlds and Europeans. Of course I also hope that the races will be held as normal as possible with the actually situation.

Your home country Italy took big measures against the coronavirus what kept many people from doing outside cycling. How was it for you to make the switch to indoor cycling?

It was really hard. At the begining it was still ok and with Zwift I could train not that bad but it got really heavy after a while and specially form y head it was super hard. I live alone and didn´t see family and friends for a while. It was super hard time for me.

You have a lot of experience in both cyclocross and mountainbike. What would you advice to young kids and teenagers that want to start in these sports?

This are both hard sports, so trying to have as fun as much as possible and enjoying the possibility to do this beautiful sport.

You and Alice Maria Arzuffi are among the best women in cyclocross now. Why we don't see so many succesful Italian men in cyclocross anymore? Or it's just a coincidence?

I don´t know. It is difficult to say why. Maybe there is a reason but maybe it is really just coincidence.

What is your opinion on the new World Cup? Do you like the new format, or you prefer the old one?

We have to try first before I can say I like it or not. It is for sure a bit different but on the other side also not to much as most of the races are still in Belgium and we already did and anyway we have almost Wc partecipation on many races. Now it is just called also Wc and we have more price money. So lets try;).

Thank you very much for the interview, Eva!