Marielle Saner

When all of a sudden downhill leads you to wonder of what is going on uphill: with regard to the Olympic games in Peking, Marielle Saner changed from Downhill to Cross Country and she is already one of the best in Switzerland’s women elite. The BMC rider talks in the following interview about the reasons, her goals and her up and downs.

Which properties suits best to you?
I’m very focused, ambitious and balanced

What do you like?
The perfect life! Nice people, a good single trail, having success and a smooth weekend with my husband at home.

What do you dislike?
Jealousy

What sports would you do if you weren’t a mountain biker?
Probably running. As a child I always wanted to be a ski racer.

What is the sports performance you are particularly proud of? 
The change from Downhill to Cross Country was a big challenge. I’m proud, that I’m already at the top. In Downhill I had several successes, but the victory in the world cup in Champéry and the silver medal at the world championships in Château d’Oex where lovely highlights.

And what was your most bitter defeat?
I had my worst race of my career at the world championships in Fort William 2007.

What where the motives to change from Downhill to Cross Country?
There where several: After 10 years of Downhill I had not any more the necessary motivation to continue doing this, but I felt, that I still wanted to compete. The change to Cross Country was obvious, for I began racing with this discipline and I always enjoyed it very much. The fact also, that Cross Country is an Olympic discipline was also a motivation to change. Furthermore I think that endurance suits more to my nature.

What are your plans after the Olympic year?
I have several projects, but nothing is decided yet.