At the Tour de Suisse, Lea Fuchs, a Former Footballer, Wants Cycling to Be a 'True Team Sport'

Lea Fuchs, a 35-year-old former semi-professional footballer, is embarking on a new career in professional cycling with a distinct philosophy: to make cycling a "true team sport." Having experienced the collaborative dynamics of football, Fuchs finds the individualistic nature of cycling victories somewhat unjust, believing that teammates who contribute to a win should also share in the recognition.

"When you win in cycling, I find it unfair that your teammates don't get on the podium with you," Fuchs stated. While acknowledging that some prefer individual glory, she emphasizes her preference for collective achievement. This team-centric approach is a core principle she aims to bring to the cycling world.

Fuchs, who previously played as a left-back, will be donning the Swiss national cycling team jersey for the Tour de Suisse. The race commences Wednesday from Sondrio, Italy, and concludes Sunday in Villars-sur-Ollon. Notably, this year's women's Tour de Suisse is being held in parallel with the men's event, which features Tadej Pogacar as a favorite.

Fuchs faces strong competition from established cyclists like Marlen Reusser and Katarzyna Niewiadoma. However, she remains anchored by her unwavering belief in the power of the collective. Her journey in the Tour de Suisse will be a test of her ability to integrate her team-first ethos into the demanding world of professional cycling.