After three years with the team’s Development program, Marius made the step up to the WorldTour in 2022 with the Men’s program, where he’s helped the team to some strong results including an impressive performance as part of the win at the Tour of Britain towards the end of the season.
Marius got into the sport through his father, who himself enjoyed cycling as a hobby once he was older. His dad thought a young Marius might like it too and find it fun and decided to take him to the local cycling club. Every year things got more competitive and more serious, with Marius doing regional then national then international races and “suddenly I was a pro,” he jokes. He did try his hand at other sports such as football, or skiing in the winter but cycling was the only sport he took seriously.
“I like how you don’t need other people to be able to go outside and ride. When I was younger, I could go out and train and it was always my own responsibility – which felt nice. Of course, I also like being outside too as I’m not someone who likes staying inside all day.”
Even now, Marius still enjoys training on his own a lot – especially if it’s for a long endurance ride. He likes to head out, put some music on and enjoy the world around him but it also take time to think about all aspects of his life too and reflect.
Speaking of which, he would describe himself as “balanced”, “boring” and “ambitious”. The middle one might stand out as odd, but Marius is someone that just enjoys a nice, chilled lifestyle, nothing too extravagant or over the top, instead preferring to spend time with those close to him.
Yet, it is the ambitious side which Marius thinks is his strongest attribute as a person and something that he brings to the team as a rider.
“Sometimes I take the lead on the radio, tell the others where to ride, what to do, especially when I’m the finisher. I always try to be in a good spot in the bunch and that’s my main race strength. I always demand a lot of myself and the guys around me; whether I’m finisher or more of a helper. I want to be the best.”
Although he has a lot of ambition, Marius is also a humble guy and admits that he has struggled in the past few years with a lack of top results but is thankful for the team in seeing what other qualities he brings. He just hopes that “the results come soon too” as he knows he’s putting in the hard work for them.
Taking a lot of inspiration from Lewis Hamilton, he admires how consistent he is and his longevity at the top of the sport; something Marius aspires to.
Off the bike Marius likes to relax and chill by watching TV shows, and socialising with friends and family, keeping his mind occupied with another focus outside of cycling.
