Interview Rebekka Estermann

Switching to another discipline and actually realizing that it might suit you even better than your old love. Rebekka Estermann has done Cyclocross in previous Winters as well, but this season she took it to a completly another level. The Swiss champion has done very well in the past World Cups, especially on the more technical and hilly parcours, she managed to finish ahead of established riders who are high in the existing world rankings. Rebekka Estermann became a rider with potential to achieve big results in all four seasons from now on. Today, the 26 years old rider shares her feelings about her new passion with you.

After your Swiss campaign you adapted quickly to the World Cup level too. How has your season been so far for you?

It started surprisingly well in Namur, a track that I enjoy a lot. Also in the races so far during the Kerstperiode I could show some strong performances, sometimes not missing much to the top20. I'm on the highest level I ever had in cyclocross, so Im really happy. But of course I'm still learning a lot and can improve so many little things to get a perfect race. That's the goal of this whole season.

What are your ambitions in the sport?

So far, MTB XCO has always been my main focus. I saw CX racing as a good training option for me to improve my riding and racing skills and as I have a lot of fun in those races, especially if it's muddy. This season showed me that I have quite some potential internationally in CX, which might make me shift my main focus from XCO to CX. This year I achieved the top20, next year maybe top15 and the following top10 and then top5? We will see 😉 In general, I'd say my ambitions are to just see how far I can come in this sport as a latecomer and achieve the most possible. To stay on a World Cup podium one day would be a dream.

Your native Switzerland has a huge legacy in cyclocross. How is the state of the sport in your country now?

It's definitely not anymore what it used to be. So many famous races (Dagmersellen, Pfaffnau, Madiswil, ...) I could never race as they don't exist anymore. Luckily we have a national series again (Swisscyclocross Series) thanks to Christian Rocha, which is very important for us riders to prepare for the worldcups and to get the young riders into the sport again. But unfortunately, we don't get a lot of support from the national federation. There isn't even an elite woman in the national squad. Most money goes to the olympic cycling sports.

What is the most challenging aspect about cyclocross for you?

For me it is the combination of the CX season with the MTB XCO season and "cornering fast" in all kind of conditions.

Which advice do you have for youngsters who start in the sport?

Have fun, push limits, don't be afraid of making mistakes or crashing. CX gives you the perfect skillset for your cycling carreer (technique, power, agility, peak power, ...), whether that will be on the road, in MTB or somewhere else.

You're the Swiss national champion. How does it feel to wear this jersey?

It's a huge honour to ride with this jersey and it makes me proud and more confident. I was surprised how much more attention you get, especially at the swiss races. The fans support pushed me a lot during those races.

How do you like to spend your days when you're not riding?

Normally on my days off from training I have to work, so I'll be in the office from 7 to 17.00. And otherwise I'll have to manage my race seasons, sponsors, repair my bikes, ... There are only a few days a year where I have nothing planned, then I'd probably go skiing in winter or for a dip in the lake in summer or trail building with my boyfriend. Doing nothing is one of my weaknesses.

What are your ambitions for 2026?

I want to achieve another top20 in the CX Worldcup in january and defend the swiss champion title against Jolanda Neff. For the MTB season I also want to achieve some top25 results and get selected for the European Championships in Switzerland. And then prepare well to be ready for another CX season with hopefully some top15 results.