photograph credit score: @belgianwaffleride + @rdubcreative
Flavia’s journey to the highest of endurance gravel racing has been really inspiring, marked by her fierce tenacity, tactical savvy, and a storied profession that features a exceptional seventh place end on the Rio Olympics Street Race in 2016. Now that she’s conquered a few of the hardest “un-road” programs on the market, we’re wanting to delve into her expertise with the Quad-Tripel sequence, the challenges she overcame, and what this achievement means for her future within the sport.
So, with out additional ado, right here’s “The Flave!”
The “Quad-Tripel” Crown
Q: Securing the Belgian Waffle Experience “Quad-Tripel Crown of Gravel” sequence title is a powerful achievement. How vital is it for you on each a private {and professional} stage?
A: Thanks a lot! This one felt so good, particularly after touchdown my first BWR win in Cedar Metropolis. It positive did not occur with out some hiccups, however that is a part of gravel racing–now we have to be ready for absolutely anything!
Q: You have been capable of safe the sequence total regardless of not toeing the road on the sequence kick-off in Arizona. Was {that a} deliberate choice or did circumstances get in the way in which of the Arizona date?
A: The Arizona occasion was simply too early within the season, to be trustworthy, and I used to be not prepared to start out racing & touring at that time. The calendar is so massive now that powerful decisions should be made, and generally I can’t make it to some actually nice races.
Q: As you look again over the whole lot of the sequence, what was essentially the most difficult
facet to persistently acting at a excessive stage throughout completely different programs and situations?
A: This was the primary time I’ve accomplished the up to date BWR California course, and it was utterly completely different from earlier years; it’s undoubtedly not a “roadie” course anymore! In truth, I’d say that it suited these with sturdy mountain bike abilities much more. Nonetheless, generally a part of the sport is making it by powerful terrain unscathed, and that was just about what occurred in California, the place I landed a 2nd place by principally working my manner up and avoiding the chaos and crashes as a lot as attainable.
Q: Did you discover your coaching evolving or altering a lot to arrange for the distinctive challenges of the person sequence occasions?
A: Sure and no. Many components of my coaching and preparation are constant, however I feel there are ever-changing dynamics in gravel, whether or not it’s tools, tires, diet, or assist. All these items play a significant position, in my view.
Q: Past the apparent bodily calls for, have been there explicit psychological methods you discovered your self using to remain centered and motivated throughout the varied terrain and places of the sequence?
A: I feel as a result of I did not come from an ‘off-road’ background, I’ve an “at all times be studying” mentality. Watching riders which are higher than me helps lots, and I really feel I achieve extra confidence every time I’m able to get by difficult/techy sectors on the wheels of the technically savvy riders. There’s undoubtedly a “push myself and see what occurs” perspective, too. There is no such thing as a worse feeling than crossing the road and feeling like you would/would/ought to have accomplished extra. More often than not I simply have a way of gratitude that I get to do that, and I do not wish to take it as a right: the chance to be on the market pushing my boundaries, difficult and bettering myself, and hopefully encouraging others to do the identical is one thing that at all times retains me motivated.
Q: What was the most important shock or “Ruh-Roh!” you encountered throughout the sequence?
A: Oh boy, undoubtedly having slightly mechanical malfunction at mile 40 in Bozeman. I used to be caught in my 10 cog and I assumed my race was over, which was a significant bummer. I misplaced the momentum of being within the group, however fortunately after twiddling with it and swapping batteries, I used to be capable of get going once more, solely to have the identical concern occur once more at round mile 97. This time I wasn’t capable of repair it, and was compelled to complete “fixie” type, however at the very least this time I used to be in my 17!
The terroir that makes a “Quad-Tripel”
Q: Beginning with the unique, the BWR California, what are a few of the signature traits of that course that make it distinctive, and the way did you method racing it this yr in comparison with earlier makes an attempt?
A: I had no thought what to anticipate in CA, aside from it was a new-to-me course and we have been undoubtedly NOT on skinny tires as in years earlier. Having numerous single observe and a mass-start is a extremely massive problem if you end up attempting to suss out your competitors amongst all the fellows, however I get why they run it this fashion. Perhaps someday within the close to future there can be sufficient girls displaying as much as warrant a separate begin.
Q: Shifting onto the “Hell of the Southwest (Utah),” how did the terrain and elevation of Cedar Metropolis examine to the California occasion, and what particular changes did it’s important to make in your race technique?
A: Cedar Metropolis was additionally a barely completely different course this yr, and I’ve to provide them kudos for making these changes to their programs. BWR occasions are as difficult as they arrive, and prior to now they have been additionally very lengthy in distance. It wasn’t sustainable, particularly with the calendar getting greater and greater yearly. There are solely so many 140-150 mile races with insane elevation that one can do in a single season and nonetheless be capable to do it properly. In some ways, this ever-growing calendar is difficult racers’ capability to deal with coaching and journey, along with the stress of the racing itself. Doing a number of occasions in a month is each bodily and mentally exhausting–add journey to the combination and it leaves little or no time to relaxation and get better earlier than it’s important to do all of it once more.
Q: The inaugural BWR Montana in Bozeman sounds prefer it introduced its personal set of challenges. How did the “Hell of the Bozone” examine to the opposite occasions within the sequence when it comes to total issue and course profile?
A: Regardless of the mechanical hiccup, I feel Bozeman was by far essentially the most superb course they’ve ever put collectively. Excellent distance and elevation, the “unroad” situations have been very good, the only observe was superb (I’m shocked I’m saying that), and the views have been unreal! It was an excellent quick course regardless of the elevation achieve.
Q: From a technical standpoint, which course offered the most important problem?
A: For me, undoubtedly the course in California. It was shorter in distance and extra weighted to mountain bikers than earlier years, which made it far more punchy and hectic.
Q: How did the climate and terrain differ throughout the three places, and the way did these variations influence your race day technique and tools decisions (ie., tire choice, strain, bike)?
A: The climate was comparatively good for a lot of the races; it often begins off slightly chilly, however as soon as we get going it will get heat shortly! I’ve been utilizing a 45c Specialised Tracer for a lot of the races, and simply adjusting the strain relying on the course situations. My bike is at all times my Specialised S-Works Crux outfitted with SRAM componentry. Hydration and calorie consumption have been main areas of focus for me, and it has been an ongoing trial and error scenario, notably when it’s important to take care of stopping for feeds, the place I’m not at all times capable of at all times have my “personal” First Endurance diet. Nonetheless, that comes with the territory in gravel racing, and having the ability to adapt or take advantage of it’s a part of the sport as properly.
Q: Past the programs themselves, what did you discover concerning the environment and group surrounding every of the three races?
A: BWR’s expos are getting bigger yearly, however not so massive the place you are feeling overwhelmed. It’s so good to only grasp with everybody after the race. Seeing how invested the cities get, all of the volunteers out on the course, and everybody behind the scenes guaranteeing now we have the most effective expertise is really superior! It’s so completely different from the highway scene; it’s actually refreshing.
Q: When you needed to choose one, which of the three programs is greatest suited your private strengths as a rider, and why?
A: Undoubtedly Bozeman. The altitude, quick gravel, and elevation, together with some fairly uncovered, windy components meant that you simply needed to be actually strategic about racing and burning too many matches.
Q: On the flipside, which course offered the most important studying curve or compelled you to adapt your using type essentially the most?
A: California. As I discussed earlier, it was mountain biker territory, that one! But it surely was nonetheless enjoyable, particularly using with the higher, quicker bike buddies you make throughout the course of the race.
Q: What have been a number of key variations in the way you fueled and hydrated for every of the three races, given their various lengths, elevations, and climates?
A: Racing at altitude is a bit trickier. Maybe it’s simply me, however I are inclined to drink extra at altitude, and it may’t be simply water. Moreover, I goal to replenish electrolytes and keep on prime of my carb consumption since you simply burn extra at elevation.
Q: How did the gravel and “unroad” segments examine throughout California, Utah, and Montana when it comes to terrain, technicality, and total feeling?
A: They’re every so distinctive! The California course is stuffed with techy single observe, sand, and free, rocky situations. Utah was uncovered and fairly sizzling towards the tip, along with being at altitude. There was additionally some chunk and single observe there, too. Montana was simply primo gravel–hilly and quick, with some well-maintained single observe towards the tip. I like how distinctive all of them are.
The “Unroad” that lies forward…
Q: You actually zeroed in on the BWR sequence for 2025 and it paid off in a giant manner. What’s subsequent for you on the planet of biking? Are there any new challenges or particular races which are calling your title?
A: I at all times attempt to add a new-to-me race yearly, but in addition love coming again to some staple occasions to see if I’m making progress. Up subsequent can be Crusher within the Tushar in Utah, then one other new-to-me race in Utah: The Wasatch All Street. Then it’s off to Gravel Worlds in Nebraska!
Q: What’s the one piece of recommendation would you supply to different riders hoping to tackle the Belgian Waffle Experience sequence?
A: Tire selection, tire strain, and diet are pivotal. The perfect consequence I achieved was after I had devoted assist out on the course and was capable of get my bottles with the hydration combine that I’m used to, together with water, Coke, and many others. A whole lot of these races are held throughout the summer time, so electrolyte and warmth administration are vital. You may’t overlook these items, as it should come again to hang-out you down the highway!
You may comply with together with Flavia’s adventures on Instagram @lilcrush27 and Strava ~ “Lil Crush”
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