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.
Valtteri Bottas makes a bold claim about his cycling ambitions
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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.
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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.
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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.