Bottas to head down under to Adelaide for F1’s winter break

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Valtteri Bottas will once again trade horsepower for pedal power during F1’s off-season when the Finn heads down under to Adelaide for a warm and sunny retreat.

Over the years, the Finn has forged a strong connection with Australia and Adelaide in particular, the hometown of his partner, professional cyclist Tiffany Cromwell.

Bottas has embraced the Australian lifestyle and repeatedly mentioned his fondness for the country's laid-back atmosphere, friendly people, and stunning natural beauty.

Cycling is always on Bottas and Cromwell’s agenda wherever they happen to be, and the couple have planned a couple of competitive outings this winter in Southern Australia.

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“The plan is to go there before Christmas,” Bottas told Speedcafe of his trip down under. “Tiffany has one training camp actually in California early in December before that.”

But the Sauber charger and his partner will also host their inaugural RADL GRVL cycling event from January 18-20, during the time of the Tour Down Under.

The event will traverse a blend of paved and gravel roads throughout the regions surrounding Adelaide, starting from its central hub in Victoria Square at the heart of the city.

“That’s like, mid-January, just during that time, so that’s an interesting one,” he said.

Bottas' deep affinity for Australia might pave the way for the Finn to establish a more permanent residence in Oz once he concludes his Formula 1 career.

However, retirement from racing may not be on the horizon, as a potential venture into the Aussie Supercars series could ensure that his thirst for adrenaline remains unabated.

“Lifestyle, culture, good wine, good cycling, just a good place to live and have some time off,” he said, describing everything he likes about Australia.

“And, of course, the big thing is Tiffany’s family is there. It’s a chance to see them.

“There’s lots of things to do in South Australia, always find that time of the year is beautiful. It can be pretty hot, but at least it’s summer!”

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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.