Bachofen von Echt makes UAE cycling history in Copenhagen GF

Sport360 staff 16:22 24/06/2014
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  • Making strides: Helle Bachofen von Echt's (l) achievements in Copenhagen were historic for UAE cycling.

    Cycling in Dubai has taken another leap forward with the news that a local rider has qualified for the UCI World Championships for Amateurs to be held in Slovenia in August.

    Helle Bachofen von Echt was the first UAE resident and also the first UAE female to compete in a UCI World Cycling Tour event, the Copenhagen Gran Fondo, which is one of a series of 150km qualifying races for the World Championships.

    By finishing second in her age group in a time of 3.58.31, Bachofen von Echt will now line up to compete for international honours in Slovenia.

    The Danish 35-year-old began her cycling career in Dubai just eight months ago, building on her fitness base gained as a specialist personal trainer, fitness and spinning instructor.

    She now rides with Revolution Cycles and is a member of the all-female cycling team Revolution Love Catz, and does the majority of her riding with Cycle Safe Dubai.

    “I ride 3-4 times a week and also teach 3 or 4 RPM spinning classes per week. I ride on Wednesday nights at the Autodrome with Cycle Safe Dubai, as well as in the road group and at Al Qudra," said Bachofen von Echt.

    “Copenhagen GF was my first international race. Prior to this I have taken part only in local challenges in the UAE like Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge, Liwa and Criterium. With 1000 participants at Copenhagen and riders from 20 countries, I had no idea what to expect either from the race organisation, the course or the level of the other riders.  

    "I just had to throw myself in, use the strengths and experience gained from riding with groups in Dubai and stay focused and calm while riding to my maximum ability.

    “As Copenhagen GF was held in my home country I loved every part of it. The people, weather, scenery and most importantly I had my family with me as road side supporters.”

    Bachofen von Echt is full of praise for the facilities and organisations that have helped her reach her goals, saying ““I am amazed by how Dubai is continuously improving the sporting facilities in and around the city. The tracks built for cycling allow me to train safely and effectively any time of the day.

    “Dubai is perfect for cyclists of all levels, both male and female. Cycling is very social too and I hope to see more women take up cycling either as their hobby, exercise or at competitive levels."

    Bachofen von Echt is thrilled to have qualified for her first World Championships, adding: “I am absolutely ecstatic and so proud to have qualified for the World Champs in Slovenia in August, in my first year of cycling. I feel very privileged to be able to travel internationally and ride with the best amateur riders in the world.

    “Now begins the real training and I am excited to see how much I can improve over the next 9 weeks and where I will place at the event.”

    Bachofen von Echt will take the support of the cycling community in Dubai with her as she wears the Revolution Cycle jersey and flies the UAE flag on the international stage in Slovenia in August.

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