UAE resident Helle Bachofen von Echt credits local participation with her rise in cycling

DUBAI // The UAE resident Helle Bachofen von Echt has qualified for cycling's UCI World Championships for Amateurs to be held in Slovenia in August.
Bachofen von Echt is the first UAE resident to compete in a UCI World Cycling Tour event, the Copenhagen Gran Fondo, which is one of a series of 150-kilometre qualifying races for the World Championships.
The Dane, 35, began cycling seriously only eight months ago. The Copenhagen event was her first international competition, and she placed second in her age group.
She rides with Revolution Cycles and is a member of the female cycling team Revolution Love Catz, and does most of her riding with Cycle Safe Dubai.
"Copenhagen GF was my first international race," she said. "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.
"As Copenhagen GF was held in my home country I loved every part of it. The people, weather, scenery and, most importantly, I had my family with me as road-side supporters."
"I am absolutely ecstatic and so proud to have qualified."
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