F1 veteran Valtteri Bottas will embark on a thrilling dual-sport adventure in 2024, with the Finn leading Sauber’s efforts in F1 while gunning for glory in a major world cycling endeavor.
Bottas has been actively involved in cycling for some time, inspired by his partner, Australian pro cyclist Tiffany Cromwell. This shared passion has fueled his desire to pursue a cycling title beyond his recreational rides.
The 34-year-old’s competitive target is next October’s UCI Gravel World Championships in Halle-Leuven, Belgium.
However, to secure a spot in the UCI Gravel World Championships, Bottas must first excel in a UCI Gravel World Series event and achieve a top 25% finish in his age category (35-39).
With 24 such events spread across the globe, the Finn has ample opportunities to prove his mettle, starting with an upcoming competition taking place in Adelaide where Bottas and Cromwell are currently spending part of F1’s winter break and training.
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The local race will provide an ideal platform for Bottas to kick-start his cycling journey towards the world championships.
“[The Adelaide event] is in January so I’m going to Australia for Christmas so it works perfectly,” he said on the Bobby & Jens podcast before traveling down under.
“I do take [cycling] seriously, and will always go out to challenge myself and make the most of it.
“Whether it’s result, tactically or average speed I go all in. I don’t mind hurting myself. I kind of like it. I will try to qualify for the gravel worlds next year.”
This ambitious endeavor marks a remarkable step for Bottas, who is not only diversifying his athletic pursuits but also pushing his limits in a demanding discipline.
His determination and passion for cycling make him a formidable contender for gravel cycling supremacy.
But Formula 1 remains the ten-time Grand Prix winner’s top priority, especially as there is work to do at Sauber following the Swiss outfit’s disappointing 2023 campaign.
As the Hinwil squad transitions itself into the Audi works outfit over the next two years, Bottas has urged his team to significantly improve in 2024.
“In this sport, with the margins we have, it’s everything,” Bottas told the media when asked where his team needed to improve.
“There’s nothing fundamental, but the good thing is we do have a completely new car with some new ideas, with new people in the team.
“That’s exactly what we need now, so we need to make big steps over the winter. That’s the key.”
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