Isabelle Beckers
- 40 years
- Based in Belgium
- Medical advisor
- Ex-pro cyclist
- 3rd at the UCI Gravel World Champs 2022 in her age category
How did you get into racing gravel, and become involved with the team?
I was a full-time road racer for five years or so, but it didn’t pay too well so decided to start working again. I got into gravel racing and I was riding the Worlds at Monsterrato, I noticed the team and their clothing at that race. So it’s great to now be part of the team with these other girls, learning from each other, and sharing experiences.
Best race?
One was on the road, I came 2nd in the national time trial in Belgium, I was really proud of that as I worked very hard towards it and qualified for the European championships. And the other one is last year at the World Championships. I was feeling so good and, well, it showed, and I came 3rd.
What are your goals for the 2023 season?
Again, to qualify for the World Championships, but to do even better than last year so trying to win this time. It’s a huge goal but it’s in reach. Furthermore, really enjoy racing on the gravel. Being together with others, enjoying nature and all the chances I get.
What are your favourite races?
The races I love are flat! I’m really tall, I’m 1.82m, which also makes me heavy, so climbing is not my thing. I’m not the one to do it. I did a UCI race in Holland last year, which was totally flat, and that suits me more, and I had a lot of fun there.
How do you prepare and train in winter with work?
I picked up running again and love doing that and I do a lot of core work. I also sometimes go for a swim, and during the week it’s indoor cycling on Zwift. At the weekends I got out on my bike.
Strengths and weaknesses?
I’m not the girl that gives up easily, I’m very powerful, I have long legs. My weakness is climbing, obviously.
What is your advice for women trying to get into gravel racing?
I think it’s possible for everybody to start a gravel race. It’s a great goal to just to finish it. And being in a race together with guys, it doesn’t matter, just learn from them.
Any messages for Isabelle from Isabelle this season?
Enjoy it and take every chance you get.
Team Spirit in Monsterrato
Gravel, more so than other cycling disciplines, prides itself on its pioneering spirit. It is apt, therefore, that it puts both genders on equal footing.
GRAVEL ADVICE
We sat down with the CDC GT, our female trio of Gravel racers, to talk about women’s racing and community, and how it feels to be a female athlete in a traditionally male-focussed sport.
GRAVEL TEAM AT THE UCI WORLDS
In its UCI form, Gravel appears to be more of a rolling route with somewhat crunchy roads, without any major technical difficulty. But is sport ever a level playing field? Not in bike racing.
