For me, the best medicine for mental health is creating environments that remind me of home — or actually bringing home with me. That’s why I love having my husband with me on long altitude training camps; it gives me a sense of normality. Beyond that, it’s all about planning and understanding my program. When it’s time to work, I give everything, but when I have days to rest, I try to use them for non-cycling things. For some riders, total rest works. For me, I like fun, easy bike rides with friends, simply enjoying being outside in nature. I don’t recover well mentally when I’m stuck indoors — all I need is fresh air and sun on my cheeks.
Small routines that keep me grounded
It might sound super simple, but my morning coffee routine is something I travel with everywhere. Preparing a V60 coffee in silence gives me a calm, quiet start to the day — my own little ritual. Another thing I enjoy is going grocery shopping. After so much time in hotels, with food prepared for you, it feels good to get back to an “old routine” of strolling, choosing what you need, and making something for yourself. As you can see, it’s not about trendy mindfulness tasks for me, but about keeping things basic.
Knowing when it’s time for a break
When my mind is burnt out, it usually gives me loud signals: feeling down, unhappy, easily triggered, frustrated, or lost in what I want to do with my day or my life. On those days, nothing feels satisfying, not even training or completing tasks. This kind of small mental fatigue happens quite often because I push my body to the max daily. Usually, I cope with it by taking a day or two completely for myself, with no plans or schedules, just so I feel in control again.
I had a bigger “crisis” when I was 25, but then COVID happened, and the break from racing actually helped me rebuild my passion and love for the sport. On the physical side, when my body has had enough, the signs are different: sleepless nights, getting sick easily, powerless legs that can’t go deep even if I try. That’s when I know I need to listen.
Joy and reset outside of cycling
I love being in the kitchen, experimenting with recipes I’ve saved throughout the season. It’s fun to create something healthy and delicious at the same time. I’ve also become interested in real estate and spend time learning about how it all works. During the off-season, I really enjoy travelling, visiting places I’ve never been, or exploring cities in more detail when I didn’t have the time before. This year, my husband and I are planning a European trip, exploring street art, museums, and of course, good food.
Do I still get nervous before races?
To be honest, I don’t really get nervous the way I used to when I was younger. I still feel the weight and importance of certain races, and I care deeply about delivering good results, but now that motivates me more than it stresses me. The only time I really feel nerves is at the start of a new season. After a long winter of preparation, there’s always uncertainty about where you stand — and that unknown can be stressful.
When I feel nervous at the beginning of the season, I usually go back to my TrainingPeaks. I analyse the work I’ve done, the training I’ve put in, just to reassure myself that I’m strong, prepared, and capable. Sometimes I need that tangible proof to feel calm.
Race day rituals
On race day, I like to close myself off in a little cocoon. Travelling to the start, I put my headphones on, listen to music, and stay uninterrupted. That quiet space helps me digest everything I need to go through before the race. During races, the energy is 100%, so taking that private moment for myself is really important.
How my relationship with nerves has changed
It has changed a lot! There’s a beauty in growing up and maturing. You go through experiences that aren’t always uplifting, but they always teach you something. I’ve cracked under pressure before, but over time, I realised that pressure is something we create for ourselves — it doesn’t really exist. The moment I understood that this is my career, my life, and all that matters is believing in what I do, I stopped letting pressure control me. As long as I give my best, I can’t mess up.
The role of my team
It helps so much to have people around you who are ready to listen, especially after a disappointing race. Sometimes, just unloading the sadness lightens the load and allows me to move forward. It also means that when I go home, I bring less stress to my family and friends, which makes a big difference for them too.
My advice on balancing mental health and nerves
My advice to amateur cyclists — or anyone taking on a challenge — is to zoom out or zoom in and remember: you’re doing it for yourself, for your own goals. The people around you are there to support you, not to judge you. It’s your time, your life. Fill it with joy and good memories. Go and create them.
