María Ögn Guðmundsdóttir

How did you get involved with the team?
After being asked to do a photo-shoot via Instagram, Café du Cycliste then invited me to Nice for the Rock d’Azur gravel event. I got on the podium in 2nd place. A few weeks later they called me to say ‘would you like to be on an all-women’s gravel team?’, and I was like, ‘yeah!’.

Best memory from the 2022 season?
There were so many favourite moments, but I’m always really proud when people come to Iceland. I’m always so curious what questions people want to ask. So that was my favourite moment, racing at The Rift in my home country with the team.

Best race?
My best race was The Traka. It was the beginning of the season so you don’t know what the form is like, but I had such a good time. There were so many amazing people that I met along the route and also I came 3rd and got to have the champagne on the podium.

What are your goals for the 23 season?
It’s a cliche but I want to do my best every time. Yeah, having fun and going for it.

How do you prepare during winter in Iceland when it’s so cold?
Some days you get really stiff in the cold and some days you just can’t go out. So you have to train indoors, which is not my favourite because I’m in cycling for the joy of outdoors. I do go abroad and take some training. But also I do a lot of weight lifting, the rowing machine, cross country skiing, swimming and sauna. I would prefer more time on the bike, but it is what it is.

Strengths and weaknesses?
I’m used to all kinds of weather. Sometimes I think rides in bad weather are more enjoyable as my expectations are lower and I come home happy that I did it. Weakness is probably… I’m not as fast as I was.

What advice do you have for women in cycle sport?
Don’t worry about the results, it’s about time on the bike and doing your best.

Any messages for Maria from Maria this season?
I don’t know…Be thankful for the experiences and enjoy every moment. That’s a good question.