"I feel in better shape again" - Marc Hirschi hopeful to bounce back after mediocre spring

Tudor Pro Cycling aimed high with the recruitments of Julian Alaphilippe and Marc Hirschi before the season, but so far the two men have combined for just one victory in 2025. Since his first win in Valencia back in January, Hirschi has been struggling to deliver those top results, but the Swissman is nevertheless confident for the upcoming period.

"I feel better shape again and am ready to go for the stages," Hirschi tells Blick with view to the Tour de France next month. Before that, he'll also taken on the national Tour de Suisse - in absence of the Big Four a great opportunity to boost one's confidence before Grande Boucle.

Tudor Pro Cycling however won't rely solely on the Swissman to deliver results. Their second weapon is their other big signing past winter - Julian Alaphilippe. "A dual leadership team offers more options. I'm sure Marc and Julian will help each other. The deciding factor is who feels better on the day," says Tudor CEO Raphael Meyer confidently.

Although on paper the two riders appear to be very similar - explosive men who thrive on hilly courses and in particular as stage hunters. But their personalities are almost the opposite. "We're different types, of course. But that's a good thing. Julian can lead a group and bring some fun into it. I really respect him," says Hirschi.

Especially when it comes to social media where Alaphilippe outscores Hirschi many times over with his follower base. Of course, Alaphilippe has won more throughout his career, but he's always incomparably more active on platforms like Instagram. "I just don't like doing it that much," says Hirschi about sharing details from his life with public.

And he's not pushed to do so by personal sponsors like some riders either. "Other athletes spend a lot more time on social media because sponsors require it or they want to promote something themselves. It's a lot of work. I'm happy that I can make a good living from cycling and that I'm not forced into anything."