yourself. The coast road towards Sa Rapita and the routes around Petra appeal to me, and then perhaps smaller mountains like Randa. But then of course you have to tackle some of the mountain stages in order to fully appreciate the beauty of the Island. Coll de Sóller and Puig Major are my favourites and Sa Calobra is always worth cycling to. I can particularly recommend the Coll d`Honor to Orient.
I also offer personally guided tours for individuals, companies or groups, here on the Island and throughout the world. Here the emphasis is not on performance, but on the joy and pleasure you get from cycling. I plan the rides individually to suit the ability of the riders, and we always stop en route for a break at one of the many cafés on the way. I am also more than happy to introduce people to the Island’ s restaurants or even do some wine tasting!
You also enjoy walking, do you have any routes you prefer? We actually always walk as a family and as our youngest is only four years old we tend to choose less difficult walks. Our two favourite destinations are the‘ Cor de Jesus’ statue in Esporles and Castel Aláro. Both are achievable in about one and a half hours, even for the children, and you get wonderful widereaching views of the Island and the sea. In the summer we want to spend the night in one of the many‘ refugios’ – it will be a real adventure for the children.
On a personal level, what in Mallorca do you recommend to your friends? Are there restaurants or hotels you like? As the father of four children I can hardly give my friends tips on an exciting nightlife:-) Out of season we like to take the children to the beach in Paguera, there we can sit and eat in peace and quiet while the kids play on the beach. When we go out without the children we go to Palma’ s old town. I am always keen to try new things and here there are lots of small restaurants and tapas bars to discover.
At this year’ s final of the Six Day Series in Mallorca, you met your idol Miguel Indurain. Can you tell us about the event? At a Six Day race there is always a really great atmosphere in the arena, with loud music, a commentary and an enthusiastic audience. The Six Day final here in Palma was somewhat smaller than the six day races I am used to in Berlin or Zurich, but it was still a fabulous event. The riders put on a great performance and my personal highlight was meeting my former idol Miguel Indurain again. My son was most impressed by the enormous muscly thighs of the sprinters and their speed!
What is on the horizon for you? The cycling season has only just really begun and from now until the end of the summer I will be constantly on the road at various cycling camps in Spain, Austria and Germany. And of course I shall also be showing a few clients Mallorca on a bike!
You have achieved a lot in your career. Are there still goals you still wish to achieve, including in your private life? Of course I have goals I still wish to reach! Without them life would be very boring. In my personal life, my goal is raise my four children to become happy, independent and responsible people, and at some stage to travel the world with my wife. Professionally, in addition to cycling I would like to add a second string to my bow that I enjoy. The areas that particularly appeal to me are coaching children, agriculture and the hotel trade.
Thank you very much for talking to us.
Photos: RosE | intERviEw BiRgit UngER Bookings via mail @ janUllRich-maRkEting. ch
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