Patrick Conrad: "You have to compliment the fans"

Cycling: Austria's national champion Patrick Konrad is undoubtedly one of the most likeable professionals in the field of riders. Most viewers would give him great successes. In our Velomotion interview, the 28-year-old tells you what goals he has set for himself.

Patrick Konrad lives cycling

For many professionals, their sport is a job. For Patrick Conrad but cycling means passion as well as suffering. You can see that the Austrian is having fun pedaling – regardless of whether it's live on site or on the TV screen. And that's exactly what the squad planners from Bora - hangrohe seem to have discovered in him years ago. Started with Austrian teams, landed Patrick Conrad 2017 at the racing team from Raubling. And he promptly repaid the obligation with good results. He was particularly strong at the 2018 Giro d'Italia when he finished seventh in the overall standings, an impressive result. Back then, he wasn't far from his big goal – the podium in a Grand Tour. And now he's in his best cycling age...

How do you motivate yourself to train during the Corona break?

Patrick Conrad: “Cycling is my passion. It's not that difficult with motivation. And in the current situation you really shouldn't complain if you can still do sports outdoors, as is the case with me in Austria. If it still has to be the role, then you change the training a bit, rather shorter for more intensive. The current smart trainers - like our Wahoo Kickr - give such a realistic driving experience. This cannot be compared to what was on the market 10 years ago.”

How do you relax after a tough training session or after intense races?

"In the best case with a nap (laughs). Otherwise preferably with good food on my terrace. Or just spend time with the family in peace.”

Can you recommend a good series or movie for our readers?

"I like to watch Netflix, right now the new season of Money Heist and How to get away with murder."

What does your favorite food look like and what are you particularly happy about in the food bag?

“Apple cinnamon rice cakes are my favorite race food. They taste like apple strudel. Otherwise, I generally love Austrian cuisine.”

Who do you think is the greatest professional cyclist of all time? Did you have a role model when you were young?

"I didn't necessarily have a role model. I just wanted to keep improving so that I could eventually turn pro. I'm really proud that I managed to do that. As an Austrian, Bernhard Eisel really motivated us all back then, because he was at the front of the big races on TV at the time.”

Why is cycling the hottest sport in the world?

“Cycling is a hands-on sport. As a fan, you never get as close to your idol in football as you do in cycling. When one of the big mountains is full of fans, it's an unbelievable feeling for us professionals too. You have to compliment the fans, that's just great for us too."

Do you like to watch bike races yourself? Do you remember the first race you saw?

“I think the first race I saw was the Tour de France. I can still remember the turquoise Bianchi kits."

What do you think was the best race of all time?

"There are countless examples, but for me - back then as a TV viewer - Peter Sagan's victory in Paris - Roubaix was the most exciting and awesome race."

What's your next big goal?

“Actually, my goal would have been the Giro and then the Olympics. We have to reschedule that now. But in general my goals are: podium at a Grand Tour, win a one-week tour and a World Championship medal.”

What tips can you pass on to young up-and-coming drivers?

“You just have to believe in yourself, no matter how many setbacks come. You have to check off negative experiences quickly and learn from mistakes. But you shouldn't get bogged down. Be professional but with a certain ease. Spoiler: When you're a pro, you start again from scratch."