Felix Gall: "Overall Victory Is an Extremely Difficult Step"

Second in the Giro d'Italia, third in the Vuelta a España - that was worth the second NIKI for Sportsman of the Year to Austria's sports journalists.

The recipient, as in 2023, is Felix Gall.

A NIKI "for Austrian cycling as a whole," as the 28-year-old emphasizes. A sport that always has to assert itself against bigger rivals in this country - and did so in the past year, thanks to Gall.

Not Everything in His Own Hands

Without wanting to be immoderate, LAOLA1's query after two podium finishes is: Does this encourage you to dare to take a step to the very top in the foreseeable future?

"That's the next step, but an extremely difficult one. Last year I was fifth in the Tour de France, so a podium was the next logical goal. I never thought I would even achieve that twice," Gall reflects.

"For a Grand Tour victory, an extreme amount has to come together. Things you no longer have sole control over: the course of the race or what the competition does."

Time Trial to Be Tackled

The benchmark has moved upwards through 2026, so it's not conducive to putting too much pressure on oneself. However, not to formulate such a goal would be too modest.

The NIKI will be celebrated briefly, then preparations for 2027 will quickly begin. A lot will be new: Together with Gregor Mühlberger, he is moving to Team Lidl-Trek.

Preliminary discussions are now due: ideas and visions are being shared about where the greatest potential for improvement lies.

"I would say that the time trial is still something where I can continue to improve. I have already improved a lot, but I still lose time to most of my competitors. Therefore, that's a good area to work on for the winter," Gall remains ambitious.

Tour de France 2027? We'll See

Having many prominent colleagues in the new team and having to assert himself, Austria's Sportsman of the Year sees more as an advantage.

"There are many races and everyone has their place. I believe that we push each other, that was a reason for me to change teams: To have a challenge again."

Whether that will also be the case again at the Tour de France in 2027 cannot yet be assessed.

"We have to wait until the routes are published. Before that, there's no point in speculating about it. I will be at the start of the Grand Tour where I can best present myself and play to my strengths."

"Felix Gall: Giro winner" would also sound quite good, after all. Someday.