All pro cyclists have one thing in common: they must be ready to fight. But anyone who really wants to be a successful top cyclist must also be prepared to push himself to the limit. Over his more than 12 years as a pro, Alex has proved he can do this. Whether it has been crashes, storms or other difficulties, Alex has shown that he doesn't give up easily and can come back.

1997: Although he had great plans for this "hometown" race, the Tour de Suisse, it didn't work out. A nasty crash ended with a broken collarbone. Manolo Saiz immediately had him sent to a special hospital in Spain to have the break repaired, since Alex' start in the Tour de France was seriously jeopardized. Sure enough, Alex appeared at the Tour Prologue, with the bone held together by screws and a metal plate. However, after a number of falls in the first week he was forced to drop out of the race, because it was feared that the repairwork could give way. He was deeply disappointed, but managed to pull himself together and went on to win the Vuelta and the world time trial championships.

1999: After his doping suspension he rode an intensive racing program in order be at least halfway in form in July. A crash in the Tour's second stage threw him way back in the GC. Although he had no more chance of winning the Tour, he turned out to be the only serious competitor for eventual winner Lance Armstrong. In the end, he surprised everyone by finishing second in the race that only 12 months before had nearly cost him his career.

2002: After two bad years no one believed in another comeback. The press and fans started to decide that Zülle was at the end of his career and should consider retiring. But at the beginning of the year Alex announced that he was planning big things. To everyone's surprise he had a successful spring with important and impressive wins. And finally, he won the Tour of Switzerland, a race that every top Swiss cyclist should have won at least once in their career.