Cycling Stars Change Professional Path to Hit the Ground Running for the New York City Marathon

Two cycling stars embraced an unexpected detour, breaking the conventions of traditional sports. They tried their luck in the world of running, trading their beloved bikes for running shoes.

On 5th November, Sunday, the two cycling luminaries, Ineos Grenadiers’ Michat Kwiatkowski and the gravel aficionado Freddy Ovett triumphed in completing the New York City Marathon. The change of path has set them apart as shining examples in the field of athleticism, showcasing their versatility.  

Cyclist Kwiatkowski’s victory crossing over from two wheels to two feet

Even though for professional cyclists, a cross-training regimen balancing between running and cycling is a cakewalk, the former is often adhered to as a part of the training regimen. However, surrendering the cycling sport in order to follow the passion in official marathons is a unique challenge that rarely professional cyclists undertake. 

It was a long-held aspiration for Kwiatkowski to tread into the world of running and accompanied by his wife Agata, the former world champion and Tour de France stage winner, participated in the largest marathon in the world. 

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As reported by the Global Cycling Network, in an attempt to step his foot in marathon running, the cyclist drew inspiration from his teammate, Eliud Kipchoge. Even though he had no intention of breaking the records set by Kipchoge, in the New York City Marathon, Kwiatkowski held a significant record of finishing in only 4 hours, 11 minutes and 34 seconds.

From cycling to running Ovett earns Kipchoge’s support 

Dismissing his professional obligations to cycling, Freddy Ovett’s to-and-fro journey from running to cycling and then making a comeback in running tells a remarkable story. Debuting as a runner, the son of Steve Ovett, the British middle-distance running legend switched his career to cycling riding for Israel-Premier Tech and BMC.

His foray into running found exposure in the New York Marathon as he had set a benchmark for his performance setting a time record of finishing the marathon in 2 hours, 45 minutes and 29 seconds. Ovett’s decision to renounce cycling has found its support by the notable Kenyan long-distance runner, Kipchoge. Based on the reports of Mens Journal, Kipchoge left a message on Ovett’s Instagram account saying, “Happy to see you in New York, I wish you a great run on Sunday, show the world the cyclists can run marathon too.” Hence, Ovett flourished in amalgamating the discipline garnered from different sports chaneling his determination to succeed in running. 

The participation and triumph of renowned cyclists Kwiatkowski and Ovett set an ideal example for aspiring athletes that it is never too late to switch careers and follow their passions. Determination and resilience is the key to flourishing in any field of sports paired with adaptability that transcends boundaries. 

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