Interview Alina Abramenka

After a strong year at home soil, Alina Abramenka went overseas racing again and showed immediatly her level in the international peloton. The now 24-years old rider won 2 races so far and booked numerous podium & top 10 spots in other races as well. The Belarusian is one of the talents that came to the surface this year on the international stage. In this interview, we get to know the ambitious youngster by a pleasant conversation where she talks about her dreams, her path in the sport and also what interests her outside the sport. 

Last year, you race in your native Belarus, and close to home in Russia, how does it feel to also be succesful in a completely new environment now?

Before this year I had already participated in international races of different levels, so the current conditions were not completely new for me, but at the first races of course I had to remember what it was like to ride in a big pelaton, but I really missed such races.To be honest I didn’t expect that I could win, I was aiming more to just try, but I’m glad that everything worked out. And it is also a big thanks to the my team, which from the first day believed in me and welcomed me very warmly

What do you see as your biggest strenghts as a cyclist?

I know for sure that I’m good at ITT and I’m also not bad in the mountains, but I still need to improve my sprinting a lot

How did you discover the sport?

When I was in school, the coach came to tell us about cycling and I decided to give it a try, after that I just fell in love with the sport

Can you tell a bit more about yourself off the bike, to our readers?

Outside of cycling I am a very chill person. I love to read and I’m also very interested in the nutritionology topic, so I study in my free time

And I love to spend time outdoors and visit new places with my friends and family.

What are your ambitions in the sport?

I really want to turn professional and sign a contract with a world tour team. I want to know what it is like to ride the biggest races such as the Tour de France, Vuelta a España, Giro , Paris-Roubaix and others. My main ambition is to make cycling as my job ))

Are other young international succesful Belarusian riders like Hanna Tserakh and Anastasiya Kolesava inspring for you?

I am always happy when my compatriots achieve great success, it is always a huge boost of motivation !) With Anya we were in the same team for 6 years and her dedication to cycling has always been an example for me, she is a very hardworking, strong and kind person )

With Nastia we went to the Junior World Championships together and competed a lot in the juniors, she is very determined and I am always happy with her achievements !)

Which races do you dream to ride in the future?

I would really like to ride Paris-Roubaix, Tour de France, Strade Bianche, Giro de Italia, Amstel Gold Race, and all the races, I just really want to ride races it’s a dream life )

How do you feel to be a role model for many other young cycling girls in your country now?

I wouldn’t say I’m a role model ) But I would like to show young girls that anything is possible. And one day they can make their dreams come true and make cycling their life’s work ) if they really want this