
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – November 26, 2023 Alfa Romeo’s Valtteri Bottas with his girlfriend Tiffany Cromwell before the race REUTERS/Rula Rouhana

via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – November 26, 2023 Alfa Romeo’s Valtteri Bottas with his girlfriend Tiffany Cromwell before the race REUTERS/Rula Rouhana
Breaking into Formula 1 is no easy task, as many drivers fail to do so after years of hard work. This shows us the dedication and commitment an F1 driver has maintained throughout their career from a young age. This is why we can never discount a driver racing in the premier class to take on a new challenge and Alfa Romeo man Valtteri Bottas is living proof.
The Finn took up cycling a few years ago thanks to his girlfriend Tiffany Cromwell. The Australian professional cyclist put her boyfriend up to it and the F1 driver hasn’t looked back since. In fact, he’s taken a fair few steps in the cycling direction despite the busy F1 schedule and made a bold claim.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Valtteri Bottas makes a bold claim about his cycling ambitions
The 34-year-old started competing in cycling gravel events by practicing in between the F1 off days. Surprisingly, Bottas started securing decent results in races and his cycling obsession has grown exponentially. At the 2023 SBT GRVL event the Alfa Romeo man had a standout performance as he finished in the top 20 in the 100-mile blue course which is extraordinary for someone who started cycling as a hobby a few years ago and can only give it divided attention.

Things took a more serious turn when the Finnish driver expressed his ambitions on the Bobby and Jens podcast. After his European gravel championships participation which to him, “felt more like a spring classic race than a gravel race,” he has set high goals for next year.
“I will try to qualify for the gravel worlds next year,” he revealed, as quoted by Velo.
Even though he’s still not on the same level as his girlfriend, he is trying to get there by putting in consistent effort. One would wonder where this motivation coming from after the exhausting F1 season. Well, Bottas is just walking in his girlfriend’s footsteps.
Valtteri Bottas walking in his girlfriend’s footsteps to achieve gravel success
Tiffany Cromwell is the epitome of consistency and longevity in the world of cycling. The Australian started professionally cycling aged 14 and is still at it, aged 35. She has obviously influenced and motivated Bottas as well ever since they started dating. However, how does she keep herself motivated? Well, it’s all thanks to gravel racing.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad

via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Miami Grand Prix – Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida, U.S. – May 6, 2022 Alfa Romeo’s Valtteri Bottas with his girlfriend Tiffany Cromwell ahead of practice REUTERS/Brian Snyder
She revealed, “Gravel has helped give me longevity to my career and it’s helped me find the fun in cycling again. Gravel has been a new outlet for me, and it’s a new challenge where I can be competitive. So when I come back to the road, I’m fresh and motivated again.”
It’s the cycle between gravel and road that keeps her on her toes and entertained.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY: Ricciardo Redemption, Frozen Bottas- Dramatic F1 Moments in Monaco GP History
With her boyfriend on her side, we can see the couple racing on two wheels for a long time. As for Bottas, the Finn will surely keep up racing for as long as he can, whether it’s on two wheels or four.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT