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The cycling world is in awe of Marc Hirschi (22). The junior world champion walked away from everyone on his first Tour de France, winning the 12th solo stage. And this after he had already failed twice. “It’s a dream,” Hirschi says. The Bernese from Ittigen also raises expectations. Where does your path lead?
Urs Freuler (61), 10 times world champion on track, 15 stage wins at the Giro, 9 stage wins at the Tour de Suisse:
“What Marc Hirschi has shown so far is amazing. Just great. Even on his solo trip, where he finally came third, I had chicken skin. And I was thinking about the past. Why? I also participated in the Tour de France for the first time when I was 22 years old. That was in 1981. And I was also able to celebrate a great success, back then as the winner in Bordeaux.
Hirschi is a completely different driver than mine. While I was concentrating on sprints, he is an all-rounder. What impresses me the most is his explosiveness in the mountains. I also find it very important: Hirschi is not too bad at helping his teammates. That will benefit him in the future, even if he has problems. “
Tony Rominger (59), 3 Bad Gesamtsieger Lap, Gesamtsieger Giro d’Italia:
“Since Alex Zülle in the 1990s, Switzerland has been waiting for someone who can be at the forefront of touring. Marc Hirschi could be exactly that driver. But you shouldn’t think about it now, just continue as before. The rest will take care of itself.
I only met Hirschi once, it was in Grenchen. I remember the meeting. I immediately realized how incredibly focused she is, with all the planning of her life. Something like this would not have been possible in my time. At the age of 22, she was still competing in amateur races, really amazing. “
Fabian Cancellara (39), 4 times gold in the World Cup, 2 times Olympic champion, 3 times winner in Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders:
«I once said that Marc Hirschi has the potential of a Kylian Mbappé. It was about establishing a connection with football. And it was all about money: while young footballers make millions early on, this is completely different in cycling. I don’t judge that either. Maybe it’s even better. It is clear that Marc will make his own way, he is not a flash in the pan. If I can help you, I will be happy to do so.
Now some will say: You are their manager! Right. But: I really don’t like the word administrator. I am here to help Marc. His life is now radically changing. Suddenly his little brother is asked about him at school and also by his parents when they go shopping. You have to learn to deal with it. “
Stefan Küng (26), world track champion, bronze world road championship medalist:
“I warmly congratulate Marc. He has a great future ahead of him, that’s obvious. When you show something like this on tour, the biggest race of all, there are different paths open for you.
Marc is very versatile: explosive, he can cross the mountain well, he goes down very well. I don’t know if he will become a touring specialist. I see no limits for him. “
Michael Schär (33), professional for 15 years, 2013 Swiss champion:
«I am very happy for Marc. He is so young, so nice. It is a real pleasure to see. I am sure it will be at the forefront for the next ten years. What I particularly like: Marc always has a career plan, but he also lets his instincts play. And above all, risk something.
I am convinced that Marc could become a great rider in the future. It has all the necessary qualities for it. What you should never do is compare him to Fabian Cancellara, even if they both come from Ittigen. Cancellara was a completely different rider, 20 kilos heavier and specialized in time trials and spring classics. “
