3 words that define you as an athlete?

Single-minded, curious, a dreamer!

3 values that define you as a person?

Honest, hospitable, a lover of life.

Why do you feel you belong to the Cimalp family?

We are all mountain lovers, each with different disciplines, but all wanting to enjoy what nature has to offer.

Your best and worst memory in the mountains — and why?

Best: In Taiwan on a cycling trip, I was descending a 3,000m pass, poorly equipped and caught off guard by colder-than-usual temperatures. I found a natural hot spring. Frozen to the bone, I plunged into the warm water with delight, savoured the moment, and when I opened my eyes I saw monkeys playing in the trees — quite a show. Worst: At 18, inexperienced, I'd gone out for some rock climbing. Last pitch of the day before heading home. My belayer and I had a lightweight doubt about the route length — worst case, I'd downclimb, the start was easy. Once at the top, great — I started abseiling, and guess what? No stopper knot at the end of the rope. A 5m fall, a fractured calcaneus and a year to walk normally again. I still have lasting effects today. A heavy price, and yet relatively lucky when you think about what could have been worse.

What do the mountains inspire in you?

When I look at the peaks, the ravines, the valleys, I want to draw lines between the diagonals of the landscape. To build ephemeral bridges to walk through the middle of the sky.

What is your relationship with the environment and ecology?

I try to minimise my impact as much as possible — cycling, public transport or carpooling/hitchhiking. Defaulting to second-hand and repair rather than buying new. Choosing quality that lasts over excessive consumption.

Another great passion or talent beyond sport?

Cooking — I love cooking for large groups. I'm convinced it's what bonds a team together.