Cycling: Anyone who has followed road cycling for the past 16 years knows the name of Luis Leon Sanchez. The meanwhile 36-year-old Spaniard stands out in the field not only because of his good mood, but also because of his top results. In the Velomotion interview, we learn that his mentality is his recipe for success.
 |
 |
| Name: | Luis Leon Sanchez |
| Nation | Spain |
| Date of Birth: | 24 November 1983 |
| Place of birth: | Murcia |
| Team: | Astana |
| Greatest successes: | Winner of the 2005 Tour Down Under Winner of Paris – Nice 2009 Winner of the Clásica San Sebastián 2010 & 2012 Winner of the mountains classification of the Vuelta a Espana 2014 4x stage win at the Tour de France 4x Spanish champion in individual time trial |
Luis Leon Sanchez is one of the most successful active professionals
Has a whopping 48 wins Luis Leon Sanchez in his career since 2004 so far. A proud number for someone who is known neither as a dominant sprinter nor as an outstanding time cyclist or climber. This number is also impressive because he often started as a helper and at the end of a tour he was the best in his team and was even able to ensure one or the other day win. He has already done this four times in the Tour de France. In addition to his all-round qualities, the secret of his strength seems to be above all his mental area. Because, as we can also see in this interview with him, it seems Luis Leon Sanchez to really love cycling and to be passionate about his job as a professional.
How do you motivate yourself to train during the Corona break?
Luis Leon Sanchez: “I try to find my own motivation in the training process, set myself certain goals and try to achieve them. Of course, you can't compare training on the street to training on the reels. But with some software from tacx and good music, you can keep yourself in good shape so that when the time comes you'll be ready for your comeback on the road. We are slowly returning to normal life. Fortunately, the team was always there during this difficult time. Our coaches coordinated our training and stayed in touch with us, as did the sport directors.”
How do you relax after a tough training session or after intense races?
"I'm trying to rest and recover as best I can. I try to relax and clear my head, spend more time in bed, watch TV or, after a hard workout, monitor the workout results and analyze a bit. During the race and between stages I spend some time chatting with my family and kids. All of this gives me a lot of energy and mental strength.”
Can you recommend a good series or movie for our readers?
"The last thing I saw was a documentary: The Last Dance about Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. I recommend this documentary to anyone who loves sports. As a good series I would call Money Heist. I like this series very much.”
What does your favorite food look like and what are you particularly happy about in the food bag?
"Probably pasta. This meal is a very important part. We eat a lot of pasta and the truth is I still love it. I always like to find something sweet in the food bag. Well, in racing, when you give 100 percent, a little chocolate is always a pleasure.”
Who do you think is the greatest professional cyclist of all time? Did you have a role model when you were young?
"I think for me and for a lot of other people it's Miguel Indurain. He is a figure in cycling who has had a major impact on the development of the sport. I didn't have the opportunity to race with him, but I know that he was a very good athlete and at the same time is a very calm and polite person. All of his achievements are still highly regarded and admired to this day.”
Why is cycling the hottest sport in the world?
“Cycling is my life. It's my dream that I was able to fulfill as a professional. For me, cycling is a sport that allows you to be closer to nature, a sport that you can practice anywhere. And cycling is very loved all over the world. Of course, it is also a dangerous sport because we face difficult descents on the road, in traffic or in the races. However, cycling is about fresh air, health, fun and freedom for body and mind.”
Do you like to watch bike races yourself? Do you remember the first race you saw?
“I don't really remember my first race on TV but yeah I really enjoy watching and when I'm not at the races I often watch different races. I like seeing them live. But I also like to see the history of cycling, the races from the past, such as Miguel Indurain's races, or even older records, some famous classics for example.”
What do you think was the best race of all time?
“For me, the best race in the world is the Tour de France. The Tour is the Tour, a very special race that cannot be compared to anything else – it has a special atmosphere, it receives special attention and there is a lot of hype about it.”
What's your next big goal?
“After many months without racing and with a new calendar, the main goal is to be in good shape and restart the season as well as possible. The main thing is to get back racing and start this season and then we will try to do our best.”
What tips can you pass on to young up-and-coming drivers?
"Follow your dream. There will be many difficult situations, but you have to believe in yourself and follow your dream. When you reach your goal and maybe stand on the podium of a race you always wanted to win, every moment of suffering and pain is gone.”