Gilbert Glaus, celebrated cycling icon of Switzerland:

 

• One of the greatest sprinters in the world of the 1970s and 1980s.

• The only Swiss rider to win the prestigious final stage of the Tour de France on the Champs-Élysées in Paris.

• As an international cycling champion and former world champion, his name is inseparably linked with the golden era of Swiss cycling.

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His career continues to inspire generations of young cyclists. With over 100 international victories and a professional career spanning more than 20 years, he remains one of the greatest Swiss athletes of all time.

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My father is not only an outstanding athlete, but also an admirable human being – someone who has stayed grounded and humble despite his extraordinary achievements.

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What truly makes him an icon goes beyond medals and titles. It is his personality, his inner strength, his calm determination, and burning passion. It’s the story of a young boy with a big dream and a clear goal:

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To become one of the greatest cyclists in the world – and he did.

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As the second youngest of six siblings, he saved up the money for his first bicycle all by himself. Even then, he declared he would one day become world champion – a conviction and vision he never let go of.

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From his first junior victory to the world championship title in 1978, and finally to his historic triumph on the Champs-Élysées in 1983 – his journey was marked by sacrifice, dedication, and unshakable self-belief. His story is more than a sports tale – it is one of heart, strength, and hope.

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And this story is one I hope to one day tell in a book – in honor of my father, and also my mother, who stood by his side and supported him through it all.