Maria Capdevila

How and when did you start cycling ?

I always had a passion for sports, and I had bikes since I can’t remember. I used to ride my mountain bike every now and then but not consistently, until September of 2022 when I got my first gravel bike and everything started. My boyfriend introduced me to gravel. I was very into investing in a new bike but wasn’t very sure if road was for me, and he suggested it. My region is very inviting for gravel and we also wanted to do some nice bikepacking trips. The idea was to get a gravel bike and a spare set of wheels for road cycling, but I bought a road bike before the wheelset...

What does it mean for you to be a part of the Café du Cycliste Gravel team ?

It is a dream come true. Last year I looked up to the women athletes of this team with their unique orange tights and that beautiful printed jersey and how fearlessly they rode their bikes, and I was like, jeez, I wanna be like them too!

What races are you anticipating the most?

This year I have great races ahead. I’m very excited about the Traka because it is a remarkable race, but also I have plans to travel to Chile for a gravel race. It will be a big adventure, I can’t wait.

Is there a gravel race or road that you dream of doing?

The Rift in Iceland is a dream I have in mind. I can’t imagine how extraordinary it must be to ride in such a scenario.

How do you train for races?

I go by feeling, mostly. I don’t train with a heart rate monitor and I do not record my watts either. I adapt my training according to how I’m doing at the time, I try to listen to my body a lot.

Any pro tips for race preparation?

I believe it’s important to enjoy what you are doing, if not, it becomes nonsense. But also I think it is interesting to balance that with stepping out your safe zone, putting yourself in situations in which you are not comfortable, so you can expand your boundaries. Training with people who are stronger or more technical helps a lot with that. And also rest and eat well!