“So far, I haven't fallen into the much-vaunted hole. Perhaps it's simply because I still have so many appointments to attend”, says the 28-year-old, who had already completed a live interview with SPIEGEL magazine in Hamburg before his visit to STEVENS. Just one of countless media appointments since his sensational success on the Seine.

“I think it's cool that people are celebrating it like this”, explains a beaming Lasse. “It's also a bit about the show, you just have to take it in and enjoy it.”

Shortly after the end of the Olympic Games, Lasse was back on the starting line at the Allgäu Triathlon, the oldest triathlon in Germany. There were a good 3,000 participants on site - a huge starting field. “I felt like I took a good 2500 selfies alone”. Especially with lots of young people. “It inspires new generations, which is great!” says Lasse.

According to Lasse, the “Paris 2024” experience wasn't just great, it was truly marvellous. Due to the relative proximity to home, many of his friends were there. Taking part in the Olympic Games was a really “cool experience”. And that despite the weather-related difficulties in the individual races. Thunderstorms and extreme heat led to postponed starts and tremendous physical strain. “In the relay, we wanted to show that we've got what it takes”, says Lasse, proudly stroking the top tube design of his STEVENS Arcalis bike.

Now it's off home for a few days, near Cuxhaven, before the last major competitions of the season - the German Triathlon Championships in Hanover at the beginning of September and the World Championship finals at the end of October.

And after that? ”I think I'll grab the proverbial blank sheet of paper and see what the future has in store for me.” He says, swings onto his Arcalis and pedals off towards his next appointment.