The cooperation between Hotel am Badersee and Team Vorarlberg-Santic was established at the beginning of 2019. Today we present an interview with the Oberammergau native and professional cyclists from Team Vorarlberg, Lukas Meiler and Martin Meiler.

- How did it come about that you from Oberammergau are now with Team Vorarlberg?

Luke: After spending time with the junior national team, it was a matter of getting into international professional cycling and finding the most professional environment possible. Team Vorarlberg was, of course, the first choice. It's great that Team Principal Thomas Kofler gave me the chance and offered me a contract. I am now entering my sixth season with the team and I still feel completely at home there.

Martin: After a 3-year delay, I did the same as my brother Lukas — after I was three years younger. It must also be said that Team Vorarlberg-Santic has been one of the top names in professional cycling for over 20 years and also one of the most successful teams in German-speaking countries. The driver line-up and also the racing program are very internationally oriented, which makes it particularly appealing. In addition, the team headquarters near Bregenz are conveniently located for us; we can be there by car in just under two hours.

- How do you train? What does everyday life look like?

Luke: Training is mainly carried out here in the region. To prepare for the season, we will of course also go to training camp in the south with the team. The units vary and can be up to 200 km long. In the off-season, we also train on mountain bikes or on cross-country skis in winter. Everyday life is heavily focused on sport; many things are subordinate to it. Going out in the evening or hanging out is actually only possible during the season break.

Martin: The scarce free time is often spent on our studies. Because “on the side”, we are both still studying the subject of “International Management” at the university in Ansbach, a special distance learning course for top athletes. We must also prepare ourselves for “life after sport”...

- What were your biggest successes?

Luke: In addition to several Bavarian championship titles on road, track and cross, we were both also able to win medals at the German Championships. The special highlights included, of course, participation in several European and World Championships as well as the World Cup starts wearing the national team's jersey.

Martin: My biggest and most beautiful successes include the top finishes at the Tour of Hainan in China. There I just barely passed the top ten in a world-class field several times.

- Why is our region perfect for cycling?

Luke: The region offers many varied and very scenic training rounds for both racing bikes and mountain bikes. In winter, we have ideal conditions for cross-country skiing, skiing or ski touring. And that in turn is the perfect preparation for a successful cycling season.

Martin: I have been observing a steady increase in sports-oriented cyclists in our region for years, locals and holidaymakers alike. As a result, you rarely train alone because you often meet someone. This makes the often long training sessions over many hours a bit more entertaining.

- What are the best routes for MTB and racing bikes?

Luke: The particularly attractive racing bike routes include, for example, the round across the idyllically situated Plansee in neighboring Tyrol and back via the royal castles of Linderhof and Neuschwanstein or the round across the Kesselberg to Walchensee.

Martin: For me, the absolute highlight for MTB is the tour around the Zugspitze. You can start this tour directly from the hotel on Lake Badersee.

- What are your favorite routes that you like to travel again and again?

Lukas & Martin: The routes just mentioned are also our favorite routes. We don't know anything better about the landscape and the route!

Martin: But if we want to be completely low in traffic, e.g. to train certain training content such as interval sprints or if we are a larger training group, then we drive from Oberammergau towards Wieskirche to the neighboring Allgäu. There are a variety of great roads there, on which you can travel almost without annoying car traffic.

- What do you have to pay attention to?

Luke: Of course, it can be turbulent on our thoroughfares during peak travel times. But as mentioned above, you have enough alternatives to avoid traffic.

Martin: If you are traveling on forest or hiking trails by MTB, you should of course be considerate of hikers, etc. But that should be a matter of course anyway. Sometimes you shouldn't underestimate the rapidly changing weather in the mountains. It is therefore recommended to bring at least a lightweight rain jacket on longer MTB tours. Otherwise, the way back could be a bit unpleasant in case of thunderstorm rain...

- What do you think of the signs in the region?

Luke: A lot has happened in recent years and I already think that orientation in the region is no problem.

Martin: I also think it's good that the cycle path network is being significantly expanded and that the quality of the signs is also increasing.

- What is the best thing about cycling?

Luke: Cycling is ideal for getting to know your limits outside in nature. In addition, you have a significantly larger range of action by bike than on foot and since e-bikes have existed, cycling has actually become possible for everyone — even for those who are not (yet) quite as fit.

Martin: As professional cyclists, we also travel all over the world and experience a lot!

- After driving so many routes, what fascinates about home?

Lukas & Martin: It's always good to come home. We have the privilege of being able to train and live where others go on vacation every day.

- Thanks for the interview!

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