Interview with Silvan Dillier

In the wheel of Silvan Dillier: a behind-the-scenes look at a professional racer in every respect.

Q: Which of your races has had the greatest emotional impact on you, and why?

My second-place finish at Paris-Roubaix 2018. I was on the brink of a huge success - and yet, I was relieved that the pain was finally behind me. It was arguably the most intense effort of my entire career, and I was incredibly proud of it.
Only five weeks before, I broke my finger during the Strade Bianche. I never imagined I'd be able to start Paris-Roubaix, let alone finish on the podium.

And then to find myself up against Peter Sagan in the final was both a blessing and a curse. Without him, we'd probably never have held off the other favourites. But beating him in a sprint at the time was impossible. All these factors combined to make that day an unforgettable moment, a real turning point in my career.

Do you have a particular ritual or routine for dealing with the pressure before a big classic?

Often, we think too much about everything we did (or didn't do) well during preparation, or whether we'll have enough energy to keep up with the best. Your mind wanders off in all directions.
In such moments, what counts is the present moment. The easiest thing to do is to concentrate on your body: what you're sitting on, how you're breathing, what your arms are touching, etc.

What's the most surprising anecdote you've seen in a race - but never seen on TV?

After leading the race for almost 220 km at Milan-Sanremo this year before being caught, several riders in the peloton came to congratulate me, including Tadej Pogačar. It touched me deeply. Even when I dropped back in the peloton, I felt the respect of the community: from their cars, several team managers offered me their congratulations. That kind of gesture leaves a mark.

Who do you have the best laughs with on the bus?

We usually chat or joke together on the bus or at the table. But Mathieu van der Poel and Gianni Vermeersch are particularly funny - they often tease each other, and that always makes the whole team laugh.

Are there any runners or other athletes who particularly inspire you?

I admire the way Mathieu van der Poel races. I also like the way he always stays relaxed before the big races and calm during the competition. It's the same with Tadej Pogačar: he always keeps his cool, and I think that's a huge advantage over many of his rivals.