Bottas gets down and dirty on the gravel tracks

©ThomasMaheux

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©ThomasMaheux

Valtteri Bottas never misses an opportunity to swap his slicks for a pair knobby off-road tyres whenever there's a cycling event nearby.

Last weekend, the Alfa Romeo F1 charger traveled to Belgium to take part in cycling's European Gravel Championship in Oud-Heverlee.

Bottas made it to the finish, the Finn declaring himself "happy" with his day on the gravel tracks where he gained "some experience riding around midfield on the fast and technical 131km course".

And for good measure, his better half Tiffany Cromwell came out on top in the women's race.

Because cycling is a passion that comes in pairs in the Bottas household.

©ThomasMaheux

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.