Just let yourself drift. Mathias Frank (34) can finally do this. After 14 years as a professional, 7 victories and 145,949 kilometers of racing – that corresponds to four and a half times around the world – he gets off the saddle. Although he will still contest the Swiss championship, the tour queen stage in Andermatt is his Dernière on the international stage. «Resigning feels good. I have always loved this sport and will continue to do so in the future. But now the time is ripe for something else. ”
For example for his new pool at home in Nottwil LU. This is not quite ready yet, but it is always enough for a refreshment. “Perhaps it symbolizes a new phase in life,” says Frank. He is especially looking forward to spending more time with his children Laura (7), Noah (5) and Mona (3). “I was away an average of 200 days a year, in training camps and races. That’s over now, ”says Frank.
He does not yet know what he will do professionally in the future. Frank graduated from high school and started studying sports management. Most recently he was an intern at the event organizer “Sette Sports” run by Fabian Cancellara. “That was very interesting,” says Frank.
No desire for cold hands and feet
Frank announces that his bike will not collect any dust in the next few years. “But I no longer go outside in all weathers. Too often I had cold feet and hands when it was raining or snowing. I won’t miss the dangerous descents and the battles for positions in the field, ”he says. Is there still something that will be missing? Frank: “The good feeling in your legs when you’re in shape. It is indescribable. And the many people I met in the cycling circus. “
Frank racked up seven professional victories in his career. He was a helper, leader and captain de route – everything. The fact that he was never able to win his favorite race, the Tour de Suisse, doesn’t offend him. “After all, I was on the podium once,” he says, referring to 2014 when he finished second.
Long family summer vacation for the first time
However, it is also a fact that Frank was actually the best on the 2013 tour. But because his team BMC Racing let him down on the Albula in 2013, he lost all morale and the leader’s jersey in the time trial to Flumserberg. “At that time I was screwed,” he looks back.
This no longer makes Frank sad. On the contrary. «I wasn’t the best, but I always gave it my all. And now I’m looking forward to the first real summer vacation with my family. “