Cycling: The year 2023 was not an easy one for Stefan Küng. Despite some negative experiences, his results remained at a consistently high level.
Stefan Küng mourns Gino Mäder
If for a model athlete like Stefan Kung When cycling takes a back seat, you know that something bad must have happened. In June, a picture went around the world showing professional cyclists crying - including Stefan Küng. His compatriot and friend Gino Mäder fell and died the day before. Although the two were not teammates, they got along well. It must have been difficult for the 29-year-old to process this experience and put it behind him. Once again it became clear that cycling is dangerous and that falls are part of this sport. Küng himself felt this at the European Championships. At the end of September he collided with the road barrier in Emmen and fought his way to the finish covered in blood. Another picture that went around the world - luckily this time with a good outcome.
Strong on cobblestones, world class in time trials
Despite the negative events in 2023, Stefan Küng was able to achieve absolute top results again this season. In Portugal he won the time trial in Lagoa on his first tour. That was good preparation for the classic season. Because on this terrain he was stronger than ever before. Küng finished 3th at the E6 Classic and the Ronde van Vlaanderen. It should even be enough for 5th place at Paris – Roubaix. He took another day's victory at the Tour de Suisse before leading Switzerland to the title at the World Championships in the Mixed Relay. All in all, 2023 was not quite as strong in terms of results as the previous season. But Stefan Küng remains true to his consistency.