CECILIE UTTRUP LUDWIG
After a long block filled with many races, I got the opportunity to focus on training and preparing for the upcoming races. There is no doubt that I’m a ‘race machine’. I love to race, I love to compete. But sometimes it’s also really nice to have blocks during the season where we have time to train properly.
This time I chose to do a training camp in Switzerland. For me it’s a country less travelled, so I was pleasantly surprised by the stunning landscape. Some people even say that it’s one of Europe’s most beautiful countries. I tend to agree with them. I was cycling every day in picture postcard-pretty scenery. The mountains are my preferred battleground. I love hilly races, but it is also extremely rewarding mentally to be in the mountains. In general, the rugged nature touches my soul. Maybe it’s because my native country, Denmark, is flat like a pancake and used for intensive farming. The hardest thing about riding my bike in Switzerland was not to stop too many times to soak up the moment and the view. I was really lucky with the weather - sunny days with clear blue skies. That meant defining and sharpening my cycling tan lines. You have got to love white raccoon eyes and chin strap tan lines! Not to mention my shiny white ankles and permanent white shorts.
This year, I’ll once again be competing in the OVO Energy
Cecilie on the irst stage of the Emakumeen Bira in Spain, before she heads to the UK for the Women’s Tour Women’s Tour in the UK. To me, it’s one of the best organised races on the women’s calendar. I tip my hat for their ability to involve the local communities. They have succeeded in drawing large crowds along the course, making it a special event that I always look forward to racing. This year they are again showing other organisers the way of the future, as OVO Energy has announced an equal prize fund. Other races have also announced prize parity, but it is unfortunately still a rarity in women’s cycling. As Ellen van Dijk recently tweeted, it is still the norm that the members of a women’s teams go away with less than 100 from a race, even if they win. We welcome any opportunity to get paid fairly.
I’ll hope to see you guys at the Women’s Tour. But for now it is time for me to hit the road and work on those tan lines. I have to make sure they stay crisp!
Sunny days with clear blue skies, that meant de ining and sharpening my tan lines. You have got to love the white raccoon eyes and chin strap lines!