Humans of MyWhoosh: Kathrin Fuhrer

Kathrin Fuhrer, 36, is a professional cyclist and a nutrition coach from Switzerland. “I grew up doing Alpine skiing, it was my thing. But in the summers, cycling was a big part of my routine. It was all about endurance – building strength for the skiing season.” After quitting Skiing, Kathrin found herself riding outdoors and enjoyed training on the bike.

Upon moving to Denmark, Kathrin was a bit clueless about how to keep up with her active lifestyle. She wanted to pick up a sport and not just go to the gym. Upon her Partner, Michael Knudsen’s suggestion, she picked up indoor cycling. “I was not sure if I’d enjoy riding my bike indoors for long hours but eventually It grew into me”, she says remembering those early days.

Kathrin’s journey in cycling took another turn in 2021 when she watched the World Championships. “That’s when I knew I could really do this. I watched the race and immediately felt that urge to take esports cycling seriously. I knew I had the potential to compete professionally.”

Speaking of her riding experience on MyWhoosh, she says, “I am actually one of those early birdies to join MyWhoosh. I have seen the platform evolve – from the drastic graphic changes to those exciting summer and winter championships. I have been racing on MyWhoosh when the platform hosted Friday Race Club, which was later changed to Sunday Race Club.”

“Now, the SRC is the highlight of my entire week. Michael and I just look forward to SRC and are always excited about the racing environment that MyWhoosh offers.”

A highlight for Kathrin this year was the 2024 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships that were held in Abu Dhabi. “It was amazing,” she says. “For four years, I’d been racing from my apartments. And then suddenly, I was on the massive stage in Abu Dhabi. It was my first time traveling to race professionally. The whole experience for me was just unreal.”

Not only did Kathrin race on the world stage, but she also earned a spot on the podium, taking home the bronze. But the significance of that win goes beyond the medal.

“This world championships and winning the medal was extra special for me,” she says with a bright smile on her face. “My sister, Sandra Fuhrer, is also a cyclist. This year, she won bronze at the UCI Para-Cycling Road World Championships held in Zurich. I had made a deal with her after she won – that it’s my turn next to win a medal at the World Championships. So, when I realised that I had made it to podium, it was a special feeling.”

Kathrin’s sister Sandra

Kathrin’s goal was to wear the rainbow jersey – the dream of every cyclist. “But even though I didn’t get that, winning the bronze, surprisingly same as my sister, was indeed a moment that I will always cherish. It’s not always about the jersey. It’s about the journey, the hard work, and the moments that remind you why you started in the first place.”

Kathrin’s smile – bright and genuine post event – says it all.