Bystrom’s glowing tribute to the UAE
dubai — As the planet hopes for all this to be over soon enough, there is a bit of a silver lining for Sven Erik Bystrom amidst all of this.
The UAE Team Emirates rider and his wife are expecting their first child, a girl, at the end of the month. Back home in his native Norway, the 2014 Under-23 World Road Race Champion is spending valuable time with his wife, especially with the lockdown in place because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The 28-year-old is also managing to train to stay as fit and sharp if and when action resumes. And with a lot of time on hand to reflect, Bystorm took the opportunity to praise and thank the UAE for the way they dealt with the situation after the UAE Tour was cancelled.
Bystrom was part of the seven-member UAE Team Emirates, among other teams, who were under a lockdown in a hotel in Yas Island in Abu Dhabi after a few participants had tested positive.
Bystrom’s teammate Colombian Fernando Gaviria too was one among them as the teams were kept under quarantine.
“The 14 days quarantine I experienced in a UAE hotel was filled with a lot of emotions because at this time the virus was new to everybody,” Bystrom said about the experience, to Khaleej Times in an email interview.
“Now when I have returned to my home in Norway I know that it was the right decision to let us stay there and I understand them 100%,” he added.
Describing how it was, Bystrom said that they were treated outstandingly well during the crisis.
“During the quarantine, we were treated very well and I’m very thankful to the UAE authorities. They gave us the green light to have a bike and an indoor trainer in our rooms, and were always helpful organising everything from food to toiletries. They even got us a playstation so we could pass the time more quickly,” explained Bystrom.
Having returned to the comforts of his own home, Bystrom is trying to keep fit. “Training is actually going really well. In the UAE, I was on the hometrainer two times every day, and here in Norway, I’m still allowed to train outside on the road. So I’m ready to race again as soon as they start up,” he said.
But on the flip side, with an uncertain calendar staring at the cyclist, Bystrom said it was tough to go about without a proper schedule.
“It’s hard to train without knowing your next race or goal. But I’m feeling lucky because I ride my bike not only because it’s my job, but also because it’s my pleasure,” Bystrom said.
Bystrom is also thrilled to be a part of the UAE team, which he calls ‘family,’ after switching from Team Katusha.
“I’m really happy to be a part of UAE Team Emirates. It feels like a part of my family now,” he said.
For now, Bystrom is eagerly looking forward to the birth of his first child.
“There is extra excitement in these extraordinary times, as we are expecting a girl at the end of April. It was already the plan to be home around the due date to support my wife and welcome a new family member. However, this period will now be extended for maybe a month or two, so that gives me even more time at home. That is of course nice, but on the other hand I am also looking forward to racing again,” said Bystrom.