Interview Maïté Barthels

Setting a step forward every year. That's the plan that Maïté Barthels brings into practise. After a good build-up during the Summer season, she's already collecting the first results in her first cyclocross races of the year. The young Luxembourger finished top 10 in all four races that she took part in. The 22 years old rider dreams to get rewarded by her first selection for an elite Worldchampionship. She tells you in this interview about her ambitions, plans and how she experiences one of the most exciting disciplines in the sport.

You had a strong start of the season. Do you feel that you set a step forward?

Yes, I changed my coach last year and this summer I had a constant season which helped me to make a good step forward. A mix of Gravel and Kermesse races in Belgium also helped me to progess both phyically and technically.

You’re racing both on the road & cyclocross. Do you have a priority or equal ambitions in both?

Cyclocross is definetly my favorite! I only use road racing to build a good base for the cyclocross season. It helps to get the speed and the accelerations in the legs. Last year I discovered gravel racing which is my favorite kind of racing during the summer. But cyclocross is always my number one.

What are your ambitions in the sport?

My goal is to one day be part of the world’s bests cyclocross riders. But for now my goal is to always be better each season, to perform well on Nationals and to hopefully participate in the World Championships.

How did you discover cyclocross?

I did athletics for nearly 10 years but due to injuries I stopped. I then switched to cycling as my whole family was involved in the sport. I started cycling at the end of the summer so the first races I could do were cyclocross races. I then went to watch some races in my home country and I wanted to try it as well because it looked really fun. Only 3 months after I started, I did my first race and it was a real shock to the system. But I kept going and I progressed each race.

Where will you race this Winter?

At the beginning of the season I will mostly race smaller UCI races (Switzerland, Luxembourg, France) to gain some more UCI points until the Word Cups start. Then I will mainly race in Belgium from December on. I am really looking forward to the second part of the season.

What is your favourite terrain?

I like it when it is a little bit muddy with slippery corners. Ideally with a little bit of elevation and some good technical sections. My favourite race track is Heusden-Zolder in Belgium.

How much running trainings do you have?

I go running every Monday during the whole season. During cyclocross training we also incorporate running, but of course with the bike on the shoulder. I think that running is a good change from all the training on the bike and I enjoy doing it.

What is your biggest passion outside cycling?

Besides cycling I really enjoy cooking, baking and eating good food. In my off season I also really like skiing in Austria.