Skiing has been part of my life for as long as I can remember, though my focus has shifted over time. This is now my fourth season dedicated purely to cross-country skiing—known as langlauf in German or ski de fond in French.
Living in the Swiss mountains, you don’t really “get into skiing”—it’s just what you do. The entire country revolves around the winter season, and with such incredible conditions, it would feel almost disrespectful not to take advantage of them. I once tried training exclusively on the bike throughout winter, and honestly, it was grim. By the time racing resumed in the spring, my motivation was far from optimal. After that experience, I made a decision: no more winter training purely on the bike. And I’ve never looked back.
From Passion to Competition
In 2021, I spent a winter focused on non-competitive skiing. By 2022, I started racing, finishing second in my first event of the season, the Sgambeda in Italy, followed immediately by a win at the Marathon de Bessans in France. That was the moment I truly embraced competitive skiing. Last season, I was invited to join a team, and it was an easy “yes!”
Skiing and cycling are, of course, different sports, but don’t underestimate the intensity of cross-country skiing. Unlike downhill skiing, where you take a chairlift up and cruise down a piste, every glide in cross-country skiing is powered entirely by full-body engagement. I’d even argue that it’s harder than cycling. In my training, three hours on skis equates to five hours on the bike in terms of effort. And let’s not forget the conditions—cold, often very cold. I’ve raced in -25°C, which is definitely a lung-opener! Plus, altitude is a constant factor. My entire winter is spent between 1,500m and 2,500m, sometimes even higher.
Skiing Strengthens My Gravel Performance
There are plenty of overlaps between the two sports, but I’d say skiing has a greater impact on cycling than vice versa. Even in summer, my gym work is tailored to skiing, maintaining my overall strength and power for winter performance.
The key to success in both disciplines? Consistency.
- Consistency in training efforts
- Consistency in recovery
- Consistency in enjoyment
That last point is crucial. Because I switch sports entirely between summer and winter, I never get the chance to burn out or lose enthusiasm. This seasonal variation keeps my mindset sharp, my motivation high, and my body in peak condition.
Racing Mindset & Tactics
In both gravel and ski racing, my focus is on long-distance endurance events—marathons and beyond. These aren’t typically tactical; they’re about pure athletic performance. But in shorter races or those with critical climbs, strategy plays a huge role. Positioning, timing attacks, and reading the competition are all crucial. In skiing, there’s also a technical layer that goes beyond the athlete—the structure of the skis, waxing choices, and snow conditions all influence the outcome. That’s a topic for another day!
Defending My British Gravel Title
As I prepare to defend my British Gravel Championship title, I can confidently say that my ski training is what builds the endurance and strength that will get me to the start line in peak form. While bike racing throughout the year will fine-tune my fitness, the foundation is laid here in the snow.
I can’t imagine my professional athletic career any other way. Cross-country skiing isn’t just training—it’s an essential part of my identity, both professionally and personally. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
