Lotta Henttala, a skilled sprinter with 25 professional race wins, has joined EF Education-Cannondale’s new women’s team for 2024. Known for her love of classic races, she has claimed victories in prestigious events like Gent-Wevelgem and Dwars Door Vlaanderen, as well as in stages of the Giro Donne and Women’s Tour.
But Lotta’s life isn’t just about cycling. She’s also a mom to a one-and-a-half-year-old boy and lives with her husband, Joonas Henttala – a rider himself for Team Novo Nordisk, in Noormaku, Finland. Managing motherhood with a professional racing career takes planning, but Lotta’s not letting anything slow her down.
“I still want to see where I can get in cycling, how good I can be,” she says, reflecting on her drive to reach her full potential. Her future ambitions include competing in the classics and the upcoming Paris Olympics.
Esra Tromp, general manager of EF Education-Cannondale, is very positive about Lotta’s addition to the team. She knows Lotta’s fearless approach, especially in the closing stages of a race, and believes she will do well in classic races.
Lotta’s role as a mother adds another dimension to her profile, and she feels good about changes in attitudes toward parenthood in cycling. “It is getting more common now. And that is nice. You don’t have to wait until your career is over,” she says.
Lotta also sees growth in women’s cycling. She points to increased professionalism, support, and attention to the sport. She feels this has brought more competition, which motivates her to be even better.
She wants to pass on her experience to her younger teammates, teaching them to be persistent and not give up. “Don’t give up. That is the lesson I think I would bring,” Lotta advises. She also emphasises having fun and finding balance, as she believes this leads to great results.
Though balancing her career and family life may be more challenging now, Lotta’s confident she’ll find it, and her son’s growth inspires her to win. EF Education-Cannondale is proud to have Lotta on their team, symbolising not just her success as an athlete but also the positive changes in women’s cycling. Her unique blend of skill, determination, and life experience will be valuable as the team moves into the new season.
