Since winning a stage in the 2023 Tour de France, Felix Gall has been a cycling superstar. This year, he's captain of his racing team. © Lukas Huter / EXPA / picturedesk.com

The Tour de France made you a star last year. How has your life changed since then?
Yes, you could say that the Tour de France has changed my life, my everyday life and, of course, my athletic opportunities. At first, it was unusual to be approached on the street, but the encounters were all positive.

How do you deal with your new status from a sporting perspective?
Of course, I have more pressure now, but I also know what I'm made of. I think I haven't reached my peak yet.

What goals have you set yourself for the 2024 Olympic year?
The big goal for this year is the Tour de France. Last year's eighth place is clearly my new benchmark. It's possible to improve on that; I'm convinced of that, even if it won't be easy. The Olympic Games in Paris are not an issue for me – the course there is not my thing.

© P.Ballet A.Broadway

You will start the Tour de France as your team's captain. Is it easier to achieve a top position now?
The Tour de France is of course by far the most important race, no question. But there are other races, and it wouldn't be entirely fair to make the whole season dependent on the Tour. If you can achieve other victories and celebrate other successes and only the Tour doesn't go perfectly, then that's acceptable. But as I said, the Tour is the most important thing and the focus is clearly on it.

After your training camp in Spain, you went home to East Tyrol, and enjoyed a day of skiing. Where do you prefer to ski?
In winter, I'm always in Spain – preferably in the south, in Andalusia. But just before Christmas, I spend ten days at home, which is the best time of the year – just taking a breather, spending time with family and friends, relaxing and maybe skiing a bit. The Zettersfeld is enough for me, it's right on my doorstep. I go all out for two or three hours with a few friends and that's it.

The East Tyrolean loves his homeland - because of his family, his friends, its proximity to nature and its cuisine. Thorsten Suedfels / Picture Press / picturedesk.com

What other sport do you do in addition to cycling?
I started playing golf in 2020. I'm very happy that I discovered this sport – it's the perfect balance for me, something completely different to cycling, which isn't exactly the most demanding in terms of coordination. Golf is exactly the opposite: you have to have your body under control, concentrate, think, you're either alone on the course or with friends. Then, for a few hours, it's just golf and nothing else. That does me good.

"When I think of East Tyrol, or Tyrol in general, I think of the peace and quiet, the nature and the people."

Tirol has many golf courses, but what makes it special for you?
The natural surroundings and the close connection to it. The people are all very welcoming and relaxed. It's not quite as hectic as elsewhere. When I think of East Tyrol, or Tyrol in general, I think of the peace, the nature and the people.

The professional cyclist is on the road 200 days a year - all the more reason for him to look forward to a relaxing vacation, like his recent getaway in Dubai. © Unsplash

And probably also cycling - which is your favorite cycling route in Tyrol?
I really like going to the Iseltal, also up to Kals. The Pustertal is a bit difficult in summer, I try sometimes with my friends from Italy. But I'd say Iseltal, Kals, Defereggen Valley and Staller Sattel – that's a cool route.

And when you're not cycling - where do you prefer to travel?
I'm on the road 200 days a year and I'm usually very happy when I can just be at home in East Tyrol. You only have a few weeks a year when you don't have to do anything, and that's when I prefer to be at home. Last year, however, I spent a week in Dubai, which was very spontaneous, a real last-minute trip. I really enjoyed it, even though I'm someone who likes to see things; places with tradition and culture.

Japan would be at the top of Gall's bucket list - if he had one. But cycling takes priority. © Unsplash

What is on your bucket list in this regard?
I don't necessarily have such a list, but I would definitely like to visit Japan one day and spend a few weeks there. But it's usually the case that as a professional, you're exhausted after the season and prefer a beach vacation – without much sightseeing. 

Read more: Tyrol's Top 3 Bike Routes