Lidl-Trek DS Michael Schär will take over as Swiss National coach after unexpected departure of Michael Albasini

The name of Michael Albasini's successor as the head of the Swiss national team has been announced. A few weeks after the latter chose to leave his position as national coach to join the Swiss professional team Q36.5 Pro Cycling in a role of sports director, Swiss Cycling announced this Thursday the appointment of former professional rider Michael Schär, who currently works as DS at Lidl-Trek! The 38-year-old from will keep his position while becoming responsible for the national road Elite and U23 teams from January 2025.

A dual role that pleased the Swiss federation and its Sports Director Patrick Müller, who was delighted to have been able to validate the desired candidate. "I am pleased that we were able to settle the succession of Michael Albasini 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 cycling," he said in a press release.

Read also

ANALYSIS: Why are riders like Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard using carbon monoxide?

Schär already had an opportunity to become familiar with the national team, since he was his predecessor's assistant during the latest World Championships in Zurich at the end of September.

Following his retirement at the end of 2023, Schär had become a sports director of the WorldTour Team Lidl-Trek - a job he'll continue to do besides his new role as national coach of Switzerland. This dual role will even be a considerable advantage, as Schär regularly rubs shoulders with the athletes during the races, which makes the exchanges considerably easier. To cover the U23 categories, he can count on help of his colleagues.

"I am very much looking forward to this new challenge and am very motivated to share my experience with the young riders," says Michael Schär. "My goal is to work with the athletes and the team to get the best out of each person, strengthen team spirit and create unforgettable moments."

Read also

Bernard Hinault: "Tadej Pogacar can win at least six Tours and I see him achieving the Giro-Tour-Vuelta in the same year"

ANALYSIS: Why are riders like Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard using carbon monoxide?