Starting on Friday, this weekend the FARA Sykkelfestival is organized. A new chance for the Norwegian riders of Team Hitec Products โ Birk Sport to race. In three days time two classic races and an individual time trial are organized. With Norwegian champion and Tour te Fjells winner Ingrid Lorvik, Pernille Feldmann, Silje Mathisen, Natalie Midtsveen, Ingvild Gaskjenn and Amalie Lutro, the team has six riders competing.
โGetting back to racing is terrifying in a good wayโ, Natalie says when we ask her about it. She had to deal with an injury and therefore didnโt start in the Tour te Fjells, where the team was successful two weeks ago. โIโve just got back on the bike so my shape isnโt something to brag about, but I look forward to the feeling of racing.โ
Individual races
The FARA Sykkelfestival exists of three days, but it are all individual races. Natalie: โItโs part of the national cup we have. And it all sums up in a general classification at the end of the season. I donโt know which of the three days Iโm looking forward to the most. I donโt expect too much of myself, so Iโm just trying to hold on as long as possible. The last day is the day that looks โeasiestโ.โ
Back in the peloton
Being back in the peloton is already something special. โGetting to meet people and travel on races is something Iโve missed a lotโ, Natalie says. That the riders are able to race in Norway is something they can really use. โItโs really import to get back into the peloton, even if itโs a small one, and get the feeling of racing again. Also pushing our bodyโs a lot more than on training is great. I will be happy on Sunday when Iโve got through it all with a good feeling.โ
Photo: Sportfoto.nl