Dubai: Helle Bachofen von Echt, a Dubai resident, created waves in the local cycling fraternity when she qualified for the UCI World Championships for Amateurs to be held in Slovenia in August.
A 35-year-old Dane, Bachofen von Echt was the first UAE resident to make the cut when she came in second at the Copenhagen Gran Fondo, one of a series of 150km qualifying races for the World Championships. She finished with a timing of 3.58.31.
Beginning her cycling career in Dubai just eight months ago, she now rides with Revolution Cycles and is a member of the female cycling team Revolution Love Catz and does the majority of her riding with Cycle Safe Dubai.
“I ride 3-4 times a week and also teach 3 or 4 RPM spinning classes per week. I ride on Wednesday nights at the Autodrome with Cycle Safe Dubai, as well as in the road group and at Al Qudra.
“Copenhagen GF was my first international race. Prior to this I have taken part only in local challenges in the UAE like Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge, Liwa and Criterium. With 1,000 participants at Copenhagen and riders from 20 countries, I had no idea what to expect either from the race organisation, the course or the level of the other riders.
“I just had to throw myself in, use the strengths and experience gained from riding with groups in Dubai and stay focused and calm while riding to my maximum ability.”
Bachofen von Echt was full of praise for the facilities and organisations that have helped her reach her goals.
“I am amazed by how Dubai is continuously improving the sporting facilities in and around the city. The tracks built for cycling allow me to train safely and effectively any time of the day.”
