You know him as the man who dominates cycling’s Spring Classics. What you don’t know is that his passions extend far beyond bike racing. We sat down with cycling’s most stylish man, Fabian Cancellara, to learn more about life off the bike.
Briefly, tell us your story.
My name is Fabian Cancellara and I am a professional bike rider with Trek Factory Racing. My preferred races are the spring classics, from Milan-Sanremo all the way to Paris-Roubaix. I have won seven Monuments of cycling and I’ve worn the yellow jersey in the Tour de France for a total of 28 days, which is the most for someone who has not won the Tour.
What is the most rewarding part about your job?
I would say the opportunity to do something that I am passionate about. Without passion, I could not do this job. I have a talent to ride a bike and I love it. I get to travel a lot and I am part of a group of around 60 people. We all work for the same goals and that is very rewarding.
Tell us about your best day on a bicycle.
It’s hard to say. Winning a big race is of course amazing. There’s so much tension in the morning and during the race, and there’s so much energy and bliss afterwards. But maybe my favorite days on a bike are at home in Switzerland, when I can have breakfast with my family, bring the kids to school, then go out for a beautiful training ride in the Swiss mountains and enjoy the views. Then again be with my family, play with the kids, and see some friends.
What is your favorite hobby other than cycling and why?
I have a real interest in wine and I like to discuss it with people that know a lot about it so I can learn from them. I have a little collection at home that I’m proud of. It’s mostly Italian wine, to be honest. Of course, being a bike rider, I can’t enjoy it as much as I would like to, but the good news is that most wines only get better the longer I resist them. So after my career there’s plenty of time to catch up. I believe life is too short to drink bad wine, so when I do decide to have some wine, I want it to be good. In all things I prefer quality over quantity, and that includes my career.
Which Trek Travel trip is top on your bucket list and why?
I would be very interested in any of the wine oriented trips: California Wine Country, Bordeaux and Tuscany.
Where is your favorite place to travel and why?
The Maldives. It’s pure holiday. It’s so calm and relaxing. No bike, real holiday.
Who inspires you?
Many people inspire me, and all of them because they do something with passion.
What is your favorite post-ride beer?
I like the Belgian Trappists very much. I have some of those in my cellar as well. I like Westvleteren 12 the most, but I also enjoy a Westmalle Triple.
