Hildegunn G. Hovdenak: “I’ll try to fight to revalidate my title”

The Norwegian MTB champion has won the last two editions of the Andalucía Bike Race presented by Caja Rural Jaén. This year she will try to get her third crown with the Olympia Factory Cycling Team. We talk with her about those victories and the keys of the competition.

Which is the reason that made your two victories in a row in Andalucía Bike Race presented by Caja Rural Jaén?

I think some of the reason is that I have been kind of careful during the first stages. As I know, you will have to last for all six days, and you will need to use your spares for the last stages, as it is quite hard.

What makes this competition so special to come back again?

I think the terrain, the nice people and a great organiser is a very good combo. For me it`s a great way to start the season, and have the best racing and training as i can get.

What come to your mind when you think about Andalucía Bike Race presented by Caja Rural Jaén?

I think it is the whole package. Good terrain, good competitors, good spectators

How would you explain this different event to someone from the north of Europe?

The trails are very good, long and flowy. In Norway we don’t have as many road and trails as you do. To find so many different trails and ways in such a compact area, it’s more or less impossible. The gravel is also very different to what I am used to. And I feel like I need a few days to "get calibrated".

You have confirmed your assistance in this next edition. Your goal is to revalidate the title?

For sure. I will try to fight to revalidate my title but, at all, I don’t expect that. There are so many good competitors, and I will be very lucky if ) can be at the final podium.

What do you think of the increase of female presence in stage races?

Numbers show us that are increasing. I think it will only increase. More and more understand what they are capable of, and we see more and more of women-teams, and women in every team

Check its palmarés, here.