22-year-old Mauro Schmid celebrated his big breakthrough last year with a Giro stage victory on the Strade Bianche roads. A few days ago he already won the first time for his new team at the Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali. We talked to Mauro about his new team, his goals and the importance of the Tour de Suisse for him.

TdS: « Mauro, when you look back on Spring one year ago, at the beginning of your professional career …»

Mauro Schmid: «Of course you hope to get a good start on the WorldTour. And I can certainly be satisfied with my last season – it went well!» 
laughs

TdS: « What has changed since your breakthrough last season?»

Mauro Schmid: «I’m basically still the same.
The Giro victory didn’t change much for me personally – more around me… people know me more now.
It is something special when you win a Grand Tour stage in your first pro season.»

TdS: «In your junior days you were competitive not only on the road but also in cyclo-cross, you were part of the track four, winning the Giro on the dreaded Sterrato roads – what type of rider do you classify yourself as?»

Mauro Schmid: «I am probably a good all-rounder – I can do everything a little bit. laughs
Now I guess I have to find out where my real strengths lie, because at WorldTour level there are a lot of people who specialise in something and are really extremely strong. 
If you’re simply good across the board, it’s hard to get a good results.
I still have to find out in which areas it makes sense to specialise and develop myself.»

TdS: « You’ve been riding in the colours of the formidable “Wolfpack” this season, how does it feel to be racing with Quick-Step Alpha-Vinyl?»

Mauro Schmid: «It’s great of course – I was very happy when I got the offer from Quickstep.
I feel very well integrated in the team – we have great cohesion.
You notice the team spirit from day one, everyone rides for each other.
Our goal is to win every race – regardless of the rider.»

TdS: « So what does the plan for the season look like in your first year at Quickstep?»

Mauro Schmid: «I’m happy with the race programme – there are some nice races in it. And now finally the start at the Tour de Suisse, which I’m really looking forward to! As a Swiss, this is always something special, of course.»

TdS: « What are your earliest Tour de Suisse memories?»

Mauro Schmid: «In our region, the Tour de Suisse often visited and as children we usually went to watch the race. Of course, that was always a highlight. And it’s even nicer to be at the start this year with my team!»

TdS: « In the short time since the season began you have already won at the Settimana Coppi e Bartali – what is your goal for the season?»

Mauro Schmid: «I was very pleased with my form at the Tour of Oman. I had Corona in December and I wasn’t sure how good my form would be at the beginning of the season. But I feel good.

The goal for the season will probably be the Giro d’Italia in the first half of the season and then the Tour de Suisse, which I am really excited about.»

TdS: « Mauro, thank you very much and all the best in achieving your goals and, like you, we are looking forward to June!»