From economics graduate to world-ranked mountain biker, Sebastián Gesche’s journey is one of bold decisions and quiet consistency. The Chilean rider swapped textbooks for trails after a football injury redirected his path, and a single direct message to a team manager in 2023 set the rest in motion. Now sitting fifth in the global XCM rankings and wearing the Chilean national champion’s jersey with pride, Gesche is proof that backing yourself — even from the other side of the world — can take you exactly where you’re meant to go. Come July, he’ll be returning to the Andorra Epic as defending champion, looking to make history once more — but first, we sat down with the man himself to find out what makes him tick.

1. Who is Sebastián Gesche?

I am a Chilean rider who decided to change his life for racing bikes. I studied economics, but the year after I got my degree, I decided to give a last try for bike racing, and in the end it worked quite well.

2. You were born in Santiago, Chile — what does home mean to you now that you’re based in Europe and racing the world circuit?

Home will always be the place that I belong. I miss my family a lot, but if I didn’t make this move, I don’t think I would value them as much as I do right now. Just being at home right now feels like a vacation and gives me peace of mind.

3. You actually started out as a footballer before a knee injury changed everything. How did you end up on a mountain bike, and when did it click that this was your path?

My father was always a cyclist, but I never felt like joining him for the rides.

After my injury the doctor suggested I ride a bike to strengthen my leg, and I wanted to play football fast again, so I started cycling, but after two months I realised that maybe I was enjoying this more than football.

4. You sent a DM to the Klimatiza team manager in 2023 asking for an opportunity. How much courage did that take, and what was going through your mind when they said yes?

I knew that making a move like this would change my life completely, but I had nothing to lose, and the thing I most fear in this life is not chasing my dreams, so I was more afraid of not achieving professional cycling than having to change my life.

5. What is it about XCM and stage racing specifically that excites you — as opposed to XCO or road?

I feel that marathon is wilder; it’s like comparing Formula 1 and rally, where many things can happen, and it’s not about every turn being perfect but about making the fewest mistakes possible and, if making them, solving them the fastest way possible.

6. You’re currently ranked #5 in the world and are a Chilean national and continental champion of the Americas. Which achievement means the most to you personally?

For me, being 5th in the ranking for already half a year means the most; it speaks about my consistency as a rider always, being always at the top. But speaking about beauty, having the Chilean flag on my chest is invaluable to me; that is something I really enjoy.

7. Winning the 2025 Andorra Epic with Marc Stutzmann was a landmark result. What was the emotion like crossing that finish line?

It’s something really big. It really made a ‚before and after‘ in my cycling career. It makes me remember always the kind of things that I am capable of achieving.

8. What has been the hardest moment of your career so far — and what did it teach you?

We always show the beautiful face of this sport on social media, but it’s full of hard moments which I don’t show. Preparing well and not getting the results you are working for is hard, but for me being always away from my family is the hardest.

9. What are your main goals for 2026, beyond defending the Andorra Epic title?

Hero Dolomiti is a key race in my season, which really pushes us all to the limit and I really feel that’s the kind of race where I can shine.

World champs are also going to be super tough, so I am also really looking forward to them.

10. You’ll be riding the 2026 Andorra Epic with Marc as your partner again. How are the emotions returning as defending champions?

Having the opportunity to defend this title with Marc is something that really excites me. Just thinking about it draws a smile on my face; we are going to do it all to defend our title.

11. As a Chilean competing in the European circuit, you’re operating far from home in a different culture and language. How has that shaped you as an athlete and as a person?

It has taught me a lot; having to adapt is the greatest thing I have learnt in these 3 years, and even more than cycling, this has developed me a lot as a person in general.

12. What role does nutrition and recovery play in multi-day stage races like the Andorra Epic, where 200km and 7,000m of climbing are on the table?

It’s a thing that has improved massively the last years; tracking calories and macros is something that almost all of us are doing right now, but to sum up, we have to eat a ton of carbs for a week to be able to go fast.

13. Your climbing has been highlighted as a real weapon. Is that something you’ve always had naturally, or have you worked hard to develop it?

Climbing is for sure my strength since I started cycling, but it is a strength that I also focus on improving day after day, more than a strength I want it to be something on which I am unbeatable someday.

14. What does a „good day“ on the bike look like for you — even when the result isn’t what you hoped?

I have learnt to change my result-orientated mentality for trying to cross the finish line, leaving it all on the track and it definitely has improved my mood after finishing the races and it’s making it easier for me to look at the long term. In this sport the oldies usually shine, and I want to be still super motivated when I am older, so I try not to let bad results get into my head and trust the process.

15. Favourite food on or off the bike? (Any Chilean classics you miss when you’re in Europe?)

Manjar, definitely, or more globally known as dulce de leche.

It’s a thicker condensed milk which we spread on everything in Chile, just like Nutella here; you should definitely try it.

16. Strangest thing you’ve ever craved mid-race?

When the race is too warm, I sometimes cross the finish line craving nuts in general, but for recovery in stage racing, they are usually not that useful, so I try to avoid them.

17. Do you have a pre-race ritual or lucky charm?

I tend to close my eyes and kiss my hand before starting. I don’t remember the origin of this, but since I race, I do it.

18. One thing you always pack when you travel?

I used to be careless about coffee, but now it feels hard to start the day without my French press for good coffee.

19. If you hadn’t sent that DM — if professional cycling hadn’t worked out — what do you think you’d be doing?

If it weren’t professional, I would for sure be cycling for fun, but professionally speaking, I think I would love to be a school teacher even more than working at something economics-related.

20. What’s your favourite Squirt Cycling product, and why does it matter to you during the long, punishing stages you race?

The Squirt Chain Wax lube is awesome, even in this Dolomiti-style racing with lots of hours on the bike; it works perfectly. We couldn’t ask for a better product for our chains.

21. What would surprise fans or young riders about you if they knew you off the bike?

We tend to idealise our sport idols, but we are much more similar to normal people than we all think. I really enjoy watching cartoons.

22. What’s your advice for young South American riders who dream of competing in Europe but don’t know where to start?

It’s now not about making a massive race but about consistency. Starting in America, race after race, then Argentina, Brazil, and then Colombia, and then here is a natural jump that will show you where your cycling level is actually.

Always enjoy the process.

Fun Facts:

  • Coffee order: cappuccino on easy days, French press brew for hard days
  • Go-to recovery snack: oatmeal porridge always; toppings may vary every day.
  • Dream ride location: Puerto Natales in Chile is insane.
  • Early bird or night owl? Definitely an early bird by 11pm I am always sleeping.
  • One thing from Chile you wish you could bring to every race: If my family were here, I wouldn’t even think about Chile.