On connis the name of the successor of Michael Albasini at the head of the Swiss national team. A few weeks after the latter chose to leave his position as national coach to join the Swiss professional team Q36.5 as sports director, Swiss Cycling announced this Thursday the appointment of theformer professional runner Michael Schar ! Currently sports director at Lidl-Trek for his first year post-retirement, the 38-year-old from Lucerne will keep his position while becoming manager of executives Elite and U23 road nationals from January 2025.
Video – Schär, super-combatant on a stage of the Tour de France 2021
Michael Schär: “I am very excited about this new challenge”
A dual function which pleased the Swiss federation and its Chief sport Patrick Müllerdelighted to have been able to validate the desired candidate. “I am pleased that we were able to settle Michael Albasini's estate so quickly. Michael Schär was the candidate we wanted. He knows our system as well as the athletes and will bring his immense experience of professional cyclinghe said in a press release. Schär has even already become familiar with the national team, since he was the assistant of his predecessor during the World Championships in Zurich end of September.
Before ending his active career he y is one year after three last seasons at AG2R Citroen Team, Schär was a professional cyclist for 18 years, including nine years at BMC. He participated 11 times in the Tour de France and 8 times in the online race of Elite Worlds under the colors of Swiss Cycling. Last season, the Lucerne officiated as sports director of the Lidl World Team–Trek, and he will continue to exercise this function. This double hat will even bring a considerable advantage to the extent that Schär regularly rubs shoulders with athletes during races, which considerably facilitates exchanges. However, it is clear that he will not be able to cover everything on his own. and he will receive support, particularly during preparation races in the U23 category. “I am very excited about this new challenge and I am very motivated to share my experience with young runners.“, declares Michael Schar. “My goal is to work with the athletes and the team to get the best out of everyone, strengthen team spirit and create unforgettable moments“.
