Luca, we are delighted to welcome you into the Fischer Race Family team! What made you decide to race for Fischer in future?
Thank you! I’m really looking forward to working with my new colleagues and to the new challenge. It’s a shame that the season ended prematurely – fortunately, though, I had the chance to get out onto the snow with Fischer and test the equipment before the corona lockdown. After a couple of turns I knew that the chemistry was right. Not just as regards the equipment, but also the very family-like atmosphere in the Fischer team.
You are joining Daniel Yule, Tanguy Nef and Urs Kryenbühl – to name only a few – to strengthen an already strong Swiss Fischer Team. Is this team an extra incentive for you?
Yes, it feels great to have Swiss team-mates with the same equipment partner, and it will be a very interesting experience. It gives you an extra push because they’re also sparring partners for me. These are opportunities I unfortunately didn’t have with my previous equipment supplier. Since I joined, friendships have developed, too: I meet up with Daniel now and again socially, for a quick game of golf, for example.
Who usually wins?
Put it this way: last time we played I managed to win, but I’d rather beat him on skis again ;)
After a strenuous World Cup season, do have a break of any kind?
Sure. At the end of the season, after the ski tests and the Swiss championships, I allow myself a break for 2-3 weeks. I either go away somewhere in the south or further away to switch off and recharge my batteries. In recent years I spent my downtime in places like Thailand, France, Fuerteventura and Sardinia. But there has to be some action and exercise – surfing, hiking or climbing. Just lying around on the beach is not for me. Of course, this year travelling is a bit more difficult, so I spent a lot of time in the mountains at home which I also really enjoyed.
What do you enjoy doing most when you’re not skiing or training for the skiing season?
I love travelling, mountains, surfing, golf and climbing. But what’s really important to me is spending time with friends and family.
What does your summer training schedule look like and what is planned in the run-up to next season?
In early May the intensive fitness training starts: 2-3 times a day and 5-6 days a week. That really takes it out of you to begin with, especially after a longer break. A couple of weeks in, once the fitness level increases again, the fun factor increases as well.
In fitness training I usually work with my own fitness coach. In the weight room I work either with him or on my own, although in the summer I also enjoy using the time to do sports like cycling or jogging with other athletes. Training continues throughout the summer with a short break in June before regular training on snow starts again in July. In early July, for instance, the next ski test is planned with Daniel and Tanguy in Zermatt. I can hardly wait!
What motivates you to keep up such a punishing training schedule?
The feeling of being proud of my performance when I cross the finish line. Having dreams and fighting to fulfil them.
What are your goals for the coming season?
It goes without saying that ideally I’d like to win every race. But I have to be realistic. Basically I’d like to recapture the fluency of my technique, to work on keeping a firm upper body so that my legs have more play. If I get my technique right the fun returns, and that’s a good recipe for success.
Looking further ahead I’d like to be in the top 30 and be successful in the World Cup, especially in the Slalom as my main event, but also in the Alpine Combined.
What feelings do you associate with skiing?
For me, skiing means fun and freedom. It’s wonderful to spend time skiing in natural surroundings and with good friends. Specifically with regard to racing it’s an incredible feeling to win a race or achieve a good result that makes you proud of your performance.
Thanks for the interview Luca!
