Like most of the European riders returning from the World Championships, Fabian Cancellara returned home to to Bern, Switzerland on Tuesday with one priority: rest.
The freshly minted four-time World Time Trial Champion at only 29 years old was a satisfied, if tired, Swiss hero upon his return. Swiss tv network, Schweizer Fernsehen, grabbed a few words with the powerhouse rider upon his arrival in Zuerich, which they later posted on their website, sf.tv.
Cancellara admitted that he was much more focused and relaxed during his incredible run in the Spring when he took wins at the E3 Prijs-Harelbeke, the Tour of Flanders, and Paris-Roubaix. With that in mind, and the difficult, long season behind him, Cancellara was extremely happy to have managed the victory in Geelong in the time trial.
"On Day X, everything went just right," said the tired Berner. Speaking separately in Blick.ch, Cancellara notes: "Even if it looked simple to everyone else, it was very difficult to get this title. I am very proud."
His comments on his arrival home and those leading up to the Worlds seem to indicate a desperately tired Cancellara. It's of little surprise though considering the season Cancellara has managed: the overall win in Oman to start the year, victory at the E3, followed soon after by the Flanders/Roubaix Double, time trial victory at home in the Tour de Suisse, two stage wins at the Tour de France along with a long run in yellow, all capped off with his fourth World Championship time trial.
"The year was very intensive," said Cancellara. "I was away a lot - now I just want some quiet."
The interview also indicates that Cancellara might not be racing the World TT Championship again. While there was no direct quote relating to this, the piece indicates that Cancellara hinted that the Geelong gold might be his final, as the winner of seemingly everything will prefer to focus all of his energy on the Worlds road race in coming years - a race that has eluded him so far in his career.
Schweizer Fernsehen was quick to press on Cancellara's future, as his signing with whatever team it turns out to be, will be one of the highlights of an already wild transfer season. Cancellara, however, was not keen to talk about his future team just yet, but confirmed that he would tell all in two weeks time.
First off, it's vacation time for Fabu. "Now, I'm looking forward to vacation with my family," said the first ever winner of four time trial World Championships to Blick.ch.