Cycling: Jakob Fuglsang has been one of the top stars in professional cycling for many years. In 2019 he achieved his first victory at a monument at Liège - Bastogne - Liège. Now he spoke to Velomotion and gave an insight into his training. He also tells us why cycling is the hottest sport in the world.
Name: | Jakob Fuglsang |
Nation | Denmark |
Date of Birth: | March 22, 1985 |
Place of birth: | Geneva (Switzerland) |
Team: | Astana |
Greatest successes: | Seventh overall in the 2013 Tour de France Olympic silver 2016 Criterium du Dauphiné 2017 & 2019 Liège – Bastogne – Liège 2019 |
Jakob Fuglsang made another change in 2019
Although Jakob Fuglsang has been one of the top riders in cycling for many years, the Dane improved again last season. His consistency was particularly impressive. Because he managed to get top results over the entire racing calendar. Starting with his overall victory in the Ruta Del Sol, a multi-stage race over mountainous terrain. Just three weeks later he finished second at Strade Bianche, a one-day race over gravel roads. These two results alone show how versatile it is Jakob Fuglsang meanwhile is.
He then had his moment of glory in the Ardennes week in mid/end of April. As third in the Amstel Gold Race, he achieved his weakest result within the last few days. This was followed by second place in the Flèche Wallonne and the big one Victory at Liege - Bastogne - Liege. With his overall victory at the Critérium du Dauphiné, he drove himself into the group of tour favorites at the latest. But at the Grand Boucle he was not lucky. After a fall, he was no longer able to present his top form and had to give up the race early.
In 2020 he looked to be going just as strong as he was able to repeat his overall victory at the Ruta del Sol. But then – like many of us – the corona pandemic slowed him down. In our series "10 Questions for the Top Stars" he tells us about his beginnings as a professional cyclist and how important it is to never give up as a young talent. He also lets us look into his food bag - and it seems to have a lot to offer.
How do you motivate yourself to train during the Corona break?
Jakob Fuglsang: "During the lockdown I was in Luxembourg with my family and was lucky enough to be able to train outside. However, I adhered to the specifications and rules and was only able to drive outside for a maximum of one hour. Otherwise I rode our Tacx roller at home in the garden or in the garage. There were a few virtual rides with our fans using the Tacx software or the Giro Virtual, which we contested. It wasn't difficult to motivate yourself because the programs and graphics are so good that you almost think you're driving outside."
How do you relax after a tough training session or after intense races?
"Different. For workouts that would be showering, eating, drinking coffee and spending time with my daughter and wife, playing a little at home or going for a walk. When it comes to racing, things are a little different. After interviews etc. shower on the bus, eat something and then social media is waiting for me. And I listen to music, try to get some sleep until we get to the hotel, or talk to my colleagues or the sports directors who are on the bus with me.”
Can you recommend a good series or movie for our readers?
"I'm not necessarily the big series fan. But I last watched Formula 1 on Netflix. It was pretty good.”
What are you particularly happy about in the food bag?
“My physio, Fante (Cristian Valente) makes the best rice cakes. It always varies, sometimes sweet, sometimes a little sour. But always with great ingredients. Strawberries for example. I always like to see them in my feeding bag. But I also like Oreo, Cola or pineapple-coconut.”
Who do you think is the greatest professional cyclist of all time? Did you have a role model when you were young?
"Difficult. There were and are many great drivers. But for me, Fabian Cancellara was and is the greatest I had the honor of driving with.”
Why is cycling the hottest sport in the world?
"I don't know if it's the hottest sport for everyone, but it's definitely for us. I think, especially for the fans, that they get closer to the athletes than in any other sport. In soccer you sit in the stadium and the players are a few meters away. In cycling, you can come to us at the buses or wait in the outrun after the finish line. But also the long tradition, the monuments or the Tour de France simply have a long history and a myth. It is something very special to be there, be it for drivers or fans. And I love the freedom that the bike gives you in training. There are so many places to explore and you can decide where to go. You are not tied to any place or stadium. The whole world is your training ground.”
Do you like to watch bike races yourself? Do you remember the first race you saw?
"Clear. If I can, I always watch the races and root for my colleagues. The first race I saw was the Tour de France. I was just a kid then. The first bike race I competed in was a mountain bike race at my house. On the road my first race was a national small race.”
What do you think was the best race of all time?
"It's very difficult to name just one. For me personally it was winning the silver medal in Rio. It was just a great feeling and it was a great race. I think the classics, monuments are always separate things. The myth, the drama. They are always just pure goosebumps.”
What's your next big goal?
"Certainly the Olympic Games, which unfortunately have now been postponed to next year."
What tips can you pass on to young up-and-coming drivers?
"Never give up! Train, stay motivated, but never lose the fun of it. Because you must never lose joy in what you do.”
Leave a Comment