Why exactly did you want to ride the Arlberg Giro?
I wanted to know what a real road bike marathon feels like. Besides, the route goes right past the hotel and through the ski area where I was a ski instructor – I just couldn't say no.
What was your highlight?
Absolutely: the steep sections in the Ganifertal. I really pushed myself to the limit there, but those sections just suit me. The King/Queen of the Mountain classification was, of course, an extra motivation.
And what didn't you like at all?
The wet downhill. It was anything but fun – slippery, cold, and mentally demanding. But I just rode like a snail because everyone told me to be careful.