At the age of 32, Johann Tschopp has decided to end his road career. In 2015, the Swiss will focus on marathon mountain biking while continuing to ride in the IAM colours.

“Mountain biking has always been a dream for me.  Today, and after careful consideration, I have decided to live the dream for the 2015 season.  With the help of Michel Thétaz and IAM Funds, I will take on a new challenge and devote myself to marathon mountain biking events.  I will continue to be a part of the IAM family.”  

Johann Tschopp laid his cards on the table at the end of his 11th professional season as a road cyclist. 

“I am convinced that this is the right time.  The road has brought me beautiful moments since I started as a pro in 2004.  And I further illustrated that this year by winning the best climber’s jersey at the Tour of Romandy.  I finished 4th place in the difficult 7th stage of the Tour of Spain which went from Alhendin to Alcaudete.  But it was also clear to me that I did not want to do another season.  So I decided to make a change in disciplines and race a mountain bike from next spring.”  
 
At 32 years of age (he was born on July 1, 1982), Johann Tschopp, a member of the IAM Cycling team since 2013, is ready for a second career. 

“This change has happened naturally.  I have loved mountain biking for a long time and it fits my character perfectly.  I love nature and this will allow me always to be in the middle of it.  In addition to that, throughout my time on the road, I found myself training with a mountain bike to refine my technique.  And it has served me well more than once.” 

Tschopp has already won the Swiss national marathon mountain bike title in 2004 and also was second in the Grand Raid in 2006, so he is convinced he has chosen the right niche for himself. 

“Marathon mountain biking has the advantage of being a very good match for my own strengths.  You must manage your efforts, especially over a long distance and with steep gradients.  It is therefore quite close to road racing.  And the importance of the technical aspect motivates me a lot.  It will be even more important to me in view of the work I do in my bike shop in Sion.  In this way, I will be at the forefront in terms of technical and mechanical knowledge for my clients.” 

The preparations for Tschopp’s new challenge are well on their way and going according to plan.  All details and the schedule of races will be announced in March 2015 at a press conference.