Interview Lauren Molengraaf
Winning almost everything what can be won in your category and showing your qualities in the elite races next to that. That's what Lauren Molengraaf achieved last cyclocross season. After a succesful last year in the juniors category. She'll move up to the u23 category. In a season, where she will mostly take part in elite races, she will again try to chase her limits. In this interview, she looks forward and she also tells about her experiences so far. A meeting off the bike with one of the biggest talents in the sport.
You set a step forward in the past cyclo-cross season. How do you look back on it yourself?
It was indeed a successful season with a lot of progression. During the season things kept improving and unexpectedly I was able to win all the junior World Cups I competed in. Of course the Worlds remains a sore moment, but fortunately a week later I was able to get a small revenge with a fifth place in the elite race of Lille.
How do you prepare during Summer?
During the summer season, the focus is on MTB and road. Later in the season there is a training camp with the team for cyclocross.
You rode some races on the road. How did you experience them?
The bigger road races are new for me internationally. The first road race in Italy without preparation went better than expected and was looking forward to the road season. Unfortunately, an upper arm fracture caused a long recovery. The rest of the races I notice that I still lack a lot of experience on the road, but things are getting better.
What are your ambitions for next winter?
Next winter I hope to make progression and have fun among the women elite riders and I will do my best for nice results at for u23 Euros & Worlds.
Which courses do you like best?
I like mostly technical courses, with sand and slippery corners for example. A bit of height difference always appeals to me as well.
What would you like to become better at?
There are plenty of things I would like to get better at, such as jumping over bars and climbing. I think in all areas I would still like to improve, both mentally/physically and technically.
How did you discover cycling?
My brother started cycling, I always had to watch and wanted to do it myself. At first I combined with other sports like hockey, but later only cycling.
You combine road cycling, cyclocross and mountain biking. What do you get the most satisfaction from so far?
I get most satisfaction from the variety of disciplines. I couldn't spend a whole year just on a road bike or mtb. In winter I find cyclocross racing super fun with always good atmosphere, at the end of each season I look forward to do the next disciplines. I perhaps like technical part of MTB the most, with the technical descents.
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