"Cycling becomes a pleasure ride".

Leisurely hobby cyclist, altitude-addicted racing bike rider or fast-paced e-bike pilot. "Ride the Alps" is a pleasure for everyone. On Sunday, June 6, the event series, in which Alpine passes are kept car-free for cyclists, stops in the Moosalpregion. Also at the start will be former Swiss ski racer Didier Défago. "I'm looking forward to the Moosalp," he says in an interview.

Didier Défago loves speed. As a ski racer, he was particularly strong in the fast disciplines of downhill and super-G. Probably the greatest success of his career was winning the downhill gold medal at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. In 2015, he ended his active sports career. Nevertheless, sport remains an essential component for the current president of the Association of Valais Mountain Railways. Défago will start alongside triathlete Jan van Berkel as an honorary rider at the "Ride the Alps" in the Moosalpregion. We met with Didier Défago for an interview.

 

Didier Défago, you are known as a World Cup skier. But what about cycling?

During my time as an active athlete, regular bike tours were part of my training. Back then, I sat more on the saddle of racing bikes. Today, I enjoy my time on two wheels, especially on a mountain bike. I still stay fit today with bike tours.

Do you also ride e-bikes?

Yes, that also happens. I'm quite open about it. With the e-bike, you can master other, further and more strenuous routes. As a former downhill racer, I also love the thrill, of course, and that's why I ride a downhill bike every now and then.

Because of the pandemic, events were banned. After a long break, "Ride the Alps" is now allowed to take place. How great is the joy?

Of course it's fun to take part in an event like the "Ride the Alps" together with colleagues again after the long time of bans. But that's not the only reason I'm looking forward to it. The road from Stalden up to Moosalp will be car-free. This makes cycling a real pleasure. And ultimately, "Ride the Alps" is not a race. It should simply be fun. Without any time pressure. Everyone rides at their own pace. That will be great.

And yet you can't underestimate the route from Stalden to Moosalp. How much respect do you have for the 1160 meters in altitude?

Do you think it's better if I take the e-bike with me? ... (laughs)

How are you preparing for "Ride the Alps" in the Moosalpregion?

Spring was cold this year. Nevertheless, I have already made a few bike tours for training purposes. So I am sure that I and also my bike are fit for "Ride the Alps". Since the long and steep route from Stalden via Törbel up to Moosalp is exposed to the sun, it is especially important to have enough to drink.

Do you know the Moosalpregion?

As an active skier, I was on the road a lot. But the World Cup calendar didn't really allow you to get to know the places. I have never been to the Moosalpregion. I am highly motivated to get to know this region. Now I also have more time for such discoveries. Therefore, after the trip, I will definitely enjoy time on the Moosalp. I've heard it whispered that Moosalp has the best cream cake.

This is "Ride the Alps

There is no time measurement at "Ride the Alps". The joy of cycling and nature on the most beautiful pass roads in Switzerland is in the foreground. And all this without the dangers of motorized traffic.

On Sunday, June 6, "Ride the Alps" will take place in the Moosalpregion. The road will be closed between 10:00 and 15:00. Attention: Emergency and post bus services will still operate. The tour starts in Stalden and leads up to the Valais mountain village of Törbel via sheer countless switchbacks. On the 15 kilometers and the 1160 meters of altitude you will enjoy a breathtaking view over the Valais mountains. You will reach the highest point of the tour at Moosalp at 2048 meters. Time for a break!

You can register for "Ride the Alps" online here until June 4. On the day of the race you can register in the start village on the sports field in Stalden. The number of participants is not limited and free of charge.

The realization of "Ride the Alps" is the starting signal for a series of top-class cycling events in the Moosalp region. The highlight will be the stage arrival of the Tour de Suisse on June 17, 2022 at Moosalp.

Photo credit Didier Défago: Ochsner Sport