"Former coach of Katusha suggested to me in 2014 that I could be a great road racer" - Ben Zwiehoff reveals his switch to road could've taken place much sooner

The story of Ben Zwiehoff is now well known. The upper middle class mountain biker - his best result in the World Cup was 23rd place in Nove Mesto - and occasional crosser was introduced out of the blue by Bora - hansgrohe at the end of 2020 as a new addition for the new season. After three years on the road, he fought his way to 206th place in the world rankings.

Zwiehoff not only impressed with consistent performance, but also had some personal highlights. "Although I also had two podium results in the GC, I would actually pick the UAE Tour as a highlight," said Zwiehoff in an interview for Radsport. "There I managed to finish in the top 10 at WorldTour level for the first time. With the experience and self-confidence at the end of the year, there would have been even more," he added.

"The consistency in the GC is what sticks with me most about the season. I proved to myself that what all the MTB trainers have always told me is really true. Robert Pawlowsky, our OSP trainer and former coach of Katusha, suggested to me in 2014 that I could be a great road racer," said Zwiehoff. Almost a decade later, Pawlowsky was proven right.

"It makes me proud to hear from many quarters that the switch from MTB to the road is viewed positively throughout. That was my original goal. Ralph gave me the necessary trust back then and I do my best to confirm him with good performances year after year."