Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig

The ebullient Dane talks racing, leadership and inspirational women

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CW: How did you keep sane in the current situation?

CUL: I spent most of lockdown in Denmark with my family and it was really good to see them and my friends because I don’t usually see them that much. I was always busy doing something but I am a racehorse and I am desperate to race. I started to miss my own space and am now in Girona.

CW: What’s one of your favourite races?

CUL: The Women’s Tour. It’s crazy big and there are so many people, old, young, probably non-cycling fans there. Normally we don’t have that, so it makes it a special feeling. I’ve only raced it twice but I’d like to go well there. Paris-Roubaix is fricking exciting and I can’t wait to be on the start line. It’s a good step towards equality.

CW: Is enough being done towards creating equality?

CUL: I was pleased that so many people spoke up for women’s cycling when the revised calendars were announced. We also need to survive and have TV airtime – we also depend on that exposure. If I believe something is not fair, I will raise my voice because if we stay silent nothing will happen.

CW: If you could win one race, what would it be?