"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.