How often have you been asked in the last few days what you want at Velosuisse?

No one has asked me that. I know the industry well as the trade fair manager of Cycle Week and previously of Bike Days. Many were surprised, but think it's super cool that I'm doing this. The fact that there is finally a woman at the head of Velosuisse is also very well received. However, some people have also asked me what Velosuisse actually is, or what this association does.

How did you explain it to them?

It is the association of bicycle importers, manufacturers and service providers who network within it and communicate their concerns to the outside world.

Can people who know you from racing, for example, relate to this?

There are also some racers who work in an association after their career, for example on the UCI Athletes' Commission or at the IOC. I think many who are at the zenith of their competitive career think about what they could do afterwards. A political office in an association could be something for many of them.

What do people from the cycling industry or even the bike community think is so cool about the fact that you are now leading this association?

I think it's well received that I live cycling as a passion every day. And, of course, that I have a good network within the cycling world and understand political processes.

Can you understand that some people find it difficult to reconcile your original nature with the gray work of the association?

It remains to be seen how well I fit in. But as an athlete, I need challenges. I approach them with respect, but I think I can make a difference. And I have definitely not experienced the Board of Directors or the AGM as gray. The industry represents a great product and strong emotions.

Was there an experience that gave you the idea to try your hand at association politics?

Yes, the situation in the canton of Solothurn, where I grew up. I got involved with IG MTB Kanton Solothurn and we were able to make a big difference. That was my aha moment. When I was asked if I would be interested in taking over the management and presidency of Velosuisse, my first thought was: now I have the chance to help shape something at the highest level in Switzerland. It is a central concern of mine to network the world of cycling even more closely within the industry and politically.

What can we imagine this to mean in concrete terms?

An example: There are more than a hundred motions relating to bicycles pending in the federal parliaments. I want to get an overview and take part in the discussion as a representative of Velosuisse. We need to invest more in order to be heard as an industry and also to move the bicycle forward.

What will your tasks be?

My tasks are wide-ranging. My predecessors did a lot of groundwork and initiated the digital transformation. Velossuisse has defined important cornerstones that should position the association more strongly in the future. Pursuing and implementing these projects will be a major focus. As Managing Director, for example, I also have a seat on Cycla, the Swiss Cycling Alliance, which is politically active. We also see it as our task to ensure that the Bicycle Path Act, which was passed by a large majority of the people in 2018, is respected - both on- and off-road.

Those who know Velosuisse know it for the annual bicycle sales figures, those who are a little better informed know it for the industry event Infotech. You've already mentioned that you have new ideas. What will we see Velosuisse doing in the future?

I can't say anything about that yet, but we do have some new ideas - even though I'm not officially in office yet. You are still the Cycle Week trade fair manager.

My workload for the management and presidium is around 40%.

Do Cycle Week and Velosuisse grow together or do you have to be careful to keep the two tasks separate?

Of course, I have to separate the work for the private agency that organizes Cycle Week and the association work. But many people who book a stand with me are also members of Velosuisse. My direct line to the players in the cycling industry was one reason why I was asked to take on the presidency and management. In a conversation about the details of a trade fair appearance, we will perhaps also discuss an association matter.

Where are you actually cutting back to make room for the 40 percent of Velosuisse?

A major mandate came to an end with the Road and Paracycling World Championships in Zurich at the end of 2024. After the E-Mountainbike World Championships in September this year, I also gave up e-bike racing. Now I'm looking forward to the new challenge 

Will you no longer be competing at all or just no more e-MTB races?

I need one or two sporting goals per year to get on my bike every day and get moving. If I have the wind and weather in my face every day, I also perform better in the office 

You're known for statements like this - as well as for "cycling makes you happy". Will such content become Velosuisse statements?

We definitely have to make sure that children and young people continue to get on their bikes and that bikes are not sidelined as a means of transportation. That would also be disastrous for the industry.