Remembering that cold morning in November 2013 is a nostalgic exercise for Valtteri Bottas, the renowned Formula 1 driver. Recently settled in Monaco, far from his homeland in Finland, Bottas decided to venture into an activity popular among F1 drivers: cycling.
What makes this ride even more remarkable is the peculiar strategy that Bottas adopted, inspired by the legendary Movistar cycling team. Despite not being an experienced cyclist at the time, Bottas embraced the team mentality, so characteristic of Movistar, by accepting the invitation for a local group ride.
On that 48 km ride along the coast to the Italian border, Bottas not only experienced the beauty of winding roads but also absorbed the camaraderie of the peloton. The strategy of riding in a group proved essential, providing Bottas with a unique insight into the nuances of cycling and emphasizing the importance of collaboration.
The influence of the Movistar strategy didn’t stop there. The episode where Bottas was temporarily left behind, fueling his determination not to be discarded again, reflects the resilience and willingness to overcome challenges that characterize Movistar cyclists.
From that ride, Bottas’s passion for cycling grew exponentially. Now, at 33, Bottas has transcended the race tracks and become a prominent figure in the cycling world. His fame in F1, with victories like the Turkish Grand Prix in 2021, and his participation in the Drive to Survive series have propelled his global renown.
His Passion for Cycling
Cycling is not just a hobby for Bottas; it’s an addiction. With his partner, Tiffany Cromwell, a professional cyclist and Australian Olympic athlete, Bottas explores not only the asphalt but also gravel roads on gravel rides. His dedication to the sport goes beyond leisure, evident in his daily training and even his official ambassador status for the Canyon bike brand.
Bottas’s passion for cycling extends beyond asphalt to challenging mountains. His favorite rides now include steep climbs like the Col de la Madone and the Col de Turini, testing his endurance and providing a new perspective on the sport.
But Bottas is not just a cycling enthusiast; he is determined to share his passion with the world. In June 2023, he will launch his own gravel race in Finland, the FNLD GRVL, exploring the gravel roads of Lahti. His strategy to involve more people in cycling reflects not only his track experience but also the tactical mindset he adopted since that initial ride.
Netflix Series
The Netflix documentary series about the Tour de France, where Bottas hopes to showcase the behind-the-scenes of professional cycling, is another way to attract more people to the sport. Inspired by the positive impact of Drive to Survive in F1, he hopes that the cycling series will highlight the personalities, emotions, and teamwork involved, providing an authentic insight into the world of bike racing.
For Bottas, cycling is not just an escape from the fast-paced world of Formula 1; it’s a passion he wants to share, making the sport more accessible and welcoming for everyone, regardless of skill or gender. His wish is to see more people getting into cycling, experiencing the joy of rides, and challenging themselves in events that offer distances for all skill levels.
Valtteri Bottas’s journey from the fast-paced world of F1 to the serene roads of cycling is more than a celebrity cycling story; it’s an invitation for everyone to join his passion and explore the exciting possibilities that cycling offers. As Bottas pedals towards the future, his commitment to cycling as a lifestyle, a form of competition, and a shared experience continues to inspire new enthusiasts to the sport.