From road bikes to e-Bikes: Lukas Dennda’s journey

Lukas Dennda, a 24-year-old cyclist from Switzerland, has carved a path in the biking world. Currently racing for the Bergstrom Factory Racing Team, he has been immersed in the sport since he was just 8 years old. Starting his career on road bikes, he transitioned to cross-country mountain biking and, most recently, to the dynamic and evolving discipline of e-bike racing.

In an interview, Lukas reflected on his journey and how he found his footing in e-bike racing. His debut in the category took place just last year at a race in Spa. Now, he feels more confident on his e-bike than on his traditional cross-country bike.

Lukas Dennda (Credit: WES/ Remco Smits)

Training across disciplines

Lukas’ training regimen highlights the requirements for success in e-bike racing. Around 60% of his training is spent on a road bike, building endurance, and working on interval sessions. Meanwhile, 20% is dedicated to cross-country mountain biking, with the remaining 20% focused on e-bike-specific preparation.

Lukas Dennda (Credit: WES/ Remco Smits)

Dennda argues that e-bike racing is just as physically demanding as traditional cross-country biking. “You don’t have time to relax in the uphills or settle into a pace,” he explains, even recalling experiencing arm cramps during his first e-bike World Cup due to the weight of the bike—a stark difference from his cross-country experiences.

Pushing physical limits and the future of cycling

The physical intensity of e-bike racing matches that of traditional cross-country events. Lukas notes that his heart rate during e-bike races often soars to 185 beats per minute and stays there until the finish line. If you want to know more, check out the full interview on YouTube.