Falls, disappointments, successes: Patrick Konrad in an interview

Lots of light and some shade in Patrick Konrad's sporting year. However, his focus is now on the new season. However, the Mödlinger native is now interrupting his everyday training routine to celebrate Christmas with his family and recharge his batteries. Shortly beforehand, the mountain specialist took stock with s+ and looked forward to the new season. s+: Mr. Konrad, you can look back on a very successful year. What is your personal conclusion about the season? Patrick Konrad: The stage victory in the Tour de France (in the Pyrenees, from Pas de la Case to Saint-Gaudens; editor's note) is one of the greatest successes that a cyclist can celebrate - and that represents a lot the shadow. That's why I can get over the fact that last season I often didn't get the top result due to falls or other situations. You have already mentioned the success at the Tour de France. How did it feel to be the first to cross the finish line on this 16th stage? It was an indescribable feeling. I always tried to imagine it - and then on the way to the finish line you can't process all the emotions that come up at the same time. Even as a teenager, I dreamed of becoming a professional and riding the Tour de France. Winning a stage there at the end tops it all off and is something defining. You were also allowed to take part in the Olympic Games. What was the experience like at these games, which were somewhat unusual due to the Corona situation? The Olympic Games have always been a worthwhile goal for me personally, and it was definitely something special to have been there. I wasn't completely satisfied with the race because the result didn't reflect my actual performance. In addition, due to the Corona pandemic and the many requirements, a lot of the flair that the Olympic Games usually bring with them was unfortunately lost. Other than the hotel where the road racers were staying and the race track where we were allowed to train, I didn't see anything about the Olympics - nothing about other sports. I also thought it was a shame that I wasn't able to visit the Olympic Village. Some time to enjoy There are many races in the racing calendar for the coming season and, from the fans' perspective, many highlights. Is there one? Is there a race or tour that you always particularly look forward to? First of all, I'm thinking of the Tour de France. It is always an absolute highlight in every season. Otherwise I would say that the Ardennes classics suit me well. But the “UAE Tour” – several stages through the United Arab Emirates – is always a cool change. Just like the Austrian championships, of course. The special thing about the national championship is that you get to travel back home. An opportunity that doesn't come along very often in my racing calendar. What does your program look like after the end of a season to recharge your batteries? When I have some time off at the end of a long season, I always like to spend the time at home with my family. Of course, I also enjoy meeting my friends during this time and doing all the things that unfortunately there is often no time for during the season. In addition, this time is also ideal for traveling. Therefore, a vacation is also planned. What's on your agenda for the Christmas holidays? There was still everyday training until the end. I'm always at the training camp in Mallorca until shortly before Christmas. On Christmas Eve I usually do a little training in the morning. But then it's time to take some time over the holidays to relax and enjoy the time. It won't last long anyway. Around New Year we finally move on to the next training camp. The new season is approaching, what would you like to focus on most in 2022? Above all, I would like to pick up where I was already successful in 2021. So to look at the things that worked well. I can then continue to build on this positive development. Basically this means that - like in 2021 - I will try to drive more aggressively again in order to win races. I will put the overall ranking somewhat in the background.

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Falls, disappointments, successes: Patrick Konrad in an interview

The Austrian professional road cyclist Patrick Konrad (30) experienced falls, disappointments, but also formative successes in 2021. The crowning achievement was definitely his first stage win in the Tour de France.

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