Usoa Ostolaza is currently enjoying some of the sweetest moments of her cycling career. Recently, she has clinched victories in the Tour Féminin des Pyrénées and the Spanish Championships, marking significant milestones in her journey.
Reflecting on her triumph at the Spanish Championships in an interview with Basque media Zarautz Guka, Ostolaza expressed the immense significance of being the national champion. “Being the champion of your own country in cycling carries great importance, as you get to wear the jersey for an entire year. Beyond its importance, winning the championship was a lovely goal for our team this year. We had a strong team, and in the case of the Spanish Championship, Mavi Garcia was the toughest competitor and the hardest to beat. However, we had an advantage; we were united as a team, while she was alone. We capitalised on that. By racing well as a team, we had the opportunity to win. Our legs were strong overall, and everything came together perfectly,” she said.
Ostolaza acknowledged the collective effort that led to their victory, noting the critical role played by her teammate Blanco. “I didn’t see it as possible and didn’t think we would have the chance to win. It was a special victory for the team because the competitors are very, very good and have a high level. Blanco also did an incredible job, which turned the whole race in our favour. She paved the way. It was a team victory.”
Discussing her development and progress in professional cycling, Ostolaza noted the importance of learning and growing within the sport. “This is my fourth season in cycling. Year by year, I’ve seen myself improving gradually and also learning more about this sport. Ultimately, performance is important, but understanding the sport technically and tactically is very significant as well. When I embarked on this journey, I didn’t understand it from the inside as well and had a lot to learn. I was a beginner, after all. Over the years, I have improved my performance and learned more about the sport and enjoyed it more. It’s been a lovely journey,” she remarked.
Joining Laboral Kutxa, Ostolaza found herself growing alongside the team. “When I joined, the team was also new. I’m growing with them. As the team takes steps forward, so am I. I’ve only been in this team, and that makes me feel proud. We are moving forward together, and these victories have been very special. Last year, I made the biggest leap; it’s been a year and a half since I left my job. That decision allowed me to train more and also gave me more time to rest. In the end, stress decreases like that, and you enjoy being on the bike more, knowing you don’t have to return to work later. That decision has allowed me to improve my level and enjoy more.”
Ostolaza’s recent performance in the Giro d’Italia also brought her immense joy. “I am very happy. It was my first time participating in the Giro, and the team’s as well. There are eight stages in total, making it a very special race. It is one of the most important races in the world. Lately, I’ve been having good feelings, and that gives you more excitement and strength to continue working. I enjoyed the Giro a lot and am happy with the result I achieved. Now, the Tour de France Femmes is coming [starting August 12th in Rotterdam]. We have a month between the Tour and the Giro. I need to take time to train and also to be at home and recharge.”
Looking ahead, Ostolaza is excited about future championships and opportunities. “There’s no doubt you’re performing well. Considering your results, do you see yourself in the World Championships in Switzerland?” Ostolaza responded, “I will probably have the chance to be there, yes. They haven’t published the official call yet, but I would be thrilled to participate in the European Championships in Belgium, as well as the World Championships in Switzerland. I think there is a week’s gap between the two, and both are in September. I have hope and see the opportunities, yes.”
With her eyes set on future goals, Ostolaza remains focused on her journey. “Whether in the short or long term, what are your goals and challenges as a professional cyclist?” she was asked. “I don’t have a specific result or race in mind. I want to continue being a professional cyclist for many years. This is my second season as a professional, and I’m enjoying it a lot. I like this lifestyle, as I enjoy the races a lot. However, I still have a lot to improve, and I want to continue improving year by year. If I achieve a good result, I would be thrilled to win the Tour de France Femmes,” Ostolaza concluded.
