Valentina Cavallar, a former Olympic rower, is making waves in the cycling world. She's not just any cyclist; she's a promising Grand Tour racer who was inspired by the Tour de France. But here's where it gets controversial: her journey from the Olympics to the professional cycling scene is a unique one. In this interview, we delve into her transition, the challenges she faced, and her dreams for the future.
From Rowing to Cycling: A Unique Transition
Valentina started rowing at 13 and continued until 2022, a passion that spanned a decade. However, during a training camp on the German-French border, she fell in love with her road bike. She recalls, "I fell in love with my bike, and it was so special that I thought, 'yeah, I really want to do this, it would be a dream to become a professional cyclist.'" A year later, she took the leap and decided to give it a shot.
Challenges in the Peloton
One of the biggest challenges Valentina faced was riding in the peloton. She admits, "I struggled a lot in my first season with descending and finding my space in the peloton." This is a common issue for riders transitioning from other sports, as they adapt to the unique demands of cycling. Despite this, she sees it as an exciting challenge, saying, "I love to learn and improve, and I know that I can be a good rider in the peloton and a good descender."
The Dutch Team and Cultural Differences
Joining SD Worx-Protime, a Dutch team, has been a culture shock for Valentina. She appreciates the honesty and directness of the Dutch, which she believes helps foster professionalism. She says, "For me, being honest but also direct is one of the most profound characteristics, and this helps to be more professional." However, she also acknowledges that it can be challenging to navigate the cultural differences, especially when it comes to communication.
Goals for the Future
Valentina's main goal for her first season with SD Worx-Protime is to learn from the best riders in the world. She wants to race because she wants to win, and she's aiming to win stage races and Grand Tours in the future. Her long-term goal is to win one climbing finish in a stage race this year, a significant achievement for any cyclist.
Looking Ahead
As Valentina prepares for her first real race with the team, she's taking it one step at a time. She's excited to learn and improve, and she's determined to make a name for herself in the cycling world. With her unique background and passion for the sport, she's sure to be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come.
