Cycling Worlds: Noemi Rüegg for an exploit in front of her audience in Zurich

Noemi Rüegg will be part of the extended circle of candidates for the podium in the Worlds road race in Zurich on Saturday. She has progressed impressively this year and will want to shine in front of her audience.

In previous seasons, Swiss women’s cycling was driven by the duo Marlen Reusser/Elise Chabbey. Both belong to the global elite and thus attract the attention of the media and the public.

But 2024 will not remain their year. Bernese Marlen Reusser had to end her season due to failing health after various problems, including a long Covid. For her part, the Genevan fell several times. Fortunately for Switzerland, Noemi Rüegg was able to take over.

Team change

The 23-year-old from Zurich celebrated her first success as a professional in Majorca in January, having focused everything on cycling since 2022. Her family environment perhaps predisposed her to a career: her older brother Timon shone in cyclocross.

During her first two years in the peloton, Noemi Rüegg had to take on the role of teammate in the Jumbo-Visma team, her mission being to help others shine. But the Swiss realized that she had the capabilities to do more.

She therefore had a change of scenery at the beginning of 2024 and joined the new EF Education-Cannondale team. The American team works with a different philosophy, with little hierarchy and less pressure on the riders. This more family environment suits Noemi Rüegg, who previously was sometimes afraid of making mistakes. It provides him with the ideal conditions to take a step forward in his career.

The work paid off

The Swiss has invested a lot in her winter preparation. “I increased my training volume, as well as the intensity in the sessions,” she told Keystone-ATS. She spent many hours in the weight room, before being as ready as possible for this new chapter. “On a physical level, there is a very clear progression,” she rejoices.

This hard work paid off. The teammate has become a prominent cyclist, who regularly puts herself in the spotlight. Since June, she has worn the red jersey with a white cross as Swiss champion. This victory instilled even more confidence in him.

Participating in the Paris Olympics was a dream for her, and her 7th place in the road race was a very good result. Since then, she has competed in the Tour de France, the Tour de Romandie and the European Championships. She was noticed everywhere.

Objective: the classics

The fact that it can shine on all terrains does not go unnoticed. But it can also be counterproductive when it comes to specializing in one direction. “It’s true that it’s something difficult for me. I’m still looking.”

She considers herself a versatile runner, who wants to focus on the classics in the future. “Short, steep climbs suit me well,” she explains. The mountains don’t bother her, as long as the passes aren’t too long. And she also demonstrated how to sprint.

Not the only asset

At home, Saturday’s race will be the final highlight of his season. Noemi Rüegg believes she is in similar shape to the one she had in Paris. She was able to recognize the course while competing in the mixed relay on Wednesday and says she appreciates it.

The Zurichoise will not be the only asset of the Swiss camp. Elise Chabbey will also have a leadership role. “We have similar profiles. Elise can try to attack and take a breakaway,” slips Noemi Rüegg, who for her part will try to stay with the leading peloton as long as possible.

“But it will probably be hard. I don’t know if I can follow the very best ones to the end. But I would like to arrive with a small group in front for the victory,” she said.

ATS