It shows that I was able to to make a difference in 2008 that the Swiss population voted me second directly behind Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf, member of the Bundesrat, at the gala of the seventh SwissAwards. I was nominated for the SwissAwards for the first time.

I was pleased to get to know many Swiss personalities, meet up with people I know and have some interesting conversations.

Second place and the support of the Swiss people that goes along with that make me proud.

But now it's time to exchange my gala clothing again for my cycling kit.

I travelled to our team training camp on Mallorca on Sunday.

I'm glad that at around 15 degrees the temperatures are a bit more pleasant than back in Switzerland.

We intend to ride as many kilometres as possible until 21 January in order to lay a good foundation for the first races. See you soon! Fabian.