“This is my new life” – Zelger speaks plainly after his resignation

A cycling trip with friend Eva Maria Gatscher, training in the military, time with the family and relaxation. Stefan Zelger feels comfortable in his new role. Around 2 months after the end of his career, the 25-year-old from Bolzano spoke to s+ about his new goals, developments in Italy's cross-country skiing sport, his motivations and much more.

Have you strapped on your cross-country skis again in the past two months?

Stefan Zelger: “I was on the trails 2,3 more times, yes. But with enjoyment and without a sports watch, according to your mood. That was a great, liberating feeling.”

How is life without professional sports?

“It's a new world. I'm currently adjusting to my professional life. I want to stay in the army and have had myself transferred from Bruneck to Bolzano. There are currently some training courses coming up. I'm currently taking a climbing course. I now also have more time for leisure activities.”

Also for cycling trips with friend Eva Maria Gatscher? (Note: Zelger's partner is a cyclist and is aiming for a professional career on racing bikes).

"Naturally. This also happens from time to time. I can still keep up with her on some measures. Let’s see how much longer.” (laughs)

A lot is happening with your former colleagues in the Italian national cross-country skiing team. Pellegrino and De Fabiani train with an international training group with Russian stars. Alfred Stauder from Dobbiaco is now responsible for the national team as technical director. What do you say about the latest development?

“I only noticed this peripherally. It's exciting and can be meaningful for everyone. But they are also daring steps. It will definitely be a year of change. There are a lot of changes in the coaching area anyway. I know Alfred Stauder personally and I have a lot of confidence in him.”

Stefan Zelger 2019 at the World Cup in Seefeld. © APA/afp / JOE KLAMAR

Why did you decide to draw a line?

“I finally made the decision after the Italian Championships on January 24th in Clusone. I went home and didn't feel like traveling to the next competition anymore. Then I said to myself, things can't go on like this. The idea has been developing for a long time. Last year I noticed that motivation was waning. I didn't want to travel around world history anymore. Here a World Cup, there a European Cup and in between Italian Cup races. The life of a competitive athlete was no longer my life.”

Not being nominated for the Italian senior national team this season didn't play a role?

"But. But it was certainly only one of the reasons, definitely not the main reason.”

How do you look back on your career?

“I have achieved what I dreamed of as a child. That's okay. The right time for a new chapter in life has come. Sometimes in life you have to take a step back and start again.”

Your professional goals?

“I want to join the meteorological department of the army. That would be exciting. Among other things, this department takes care of avalanche warnings for the country and the like.”

Interview: Michael Andres

Info: Stefan Zelger, born on September 9, 1995, has completed a total of 41 races in the World Cup. He made his debut on January 14, 2017 in Toblach. Zelger was considered an all-rounder, although in recent years he has particularly impressed in the sprints. He took part in the 2019 World Cup in Seefeld (29th in the sprint / 57th over 15 km) and also at the 2018 Olympics in South Korea (39th in the sprint / 56th over 15 km). He competed in his last World Cup race on December 19, 2020 in Dresden (46th in the freestyle sprint). On February 24th he officially announced the end of his career.

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“This is my new life” – Zelger speaks plainly after his resignation

Stefan Zelger unexpectedly ended his professional cross-country skiing career at the end of February. “I didn’t want this life anymore,” says Zelger. In an interview with us, he reveals why he made this decision - and what his new life looks like.

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