"I foresee a very beautiful race with great trails and beautiful landscapes"

The Norwegian Hildegunn Gjertrud Hovdenak (Olympia Factory Cycling), winner of Andalucía Bike Race presented by Caja rural Jaén 2018 and 2019, will be one of the main attractions of the next MMR Asturias Bike Race.

After competing in Andalucía Bike Race presented by Caja Jaén Rural, La Rioja Bike Race and YoPRO Catalunya Bike Race, debuts in MMR Asturias Bike Race, what do you expect from the race?

The first time I heard about it was in a race in Portugal, last year. I have heard that it is a very nice test, so I hope, above all, good trails and a beautiful landscape. Also the fact of being able to participate with the Olympia Factory Cycling team is a good opportunity for me, to make a good race and having a good support.

Let's talk about your goals in this MMR Asturias Bike Race 2019. You are one of those riders who always go for the victory but you are having some health problems, many chronical sinusitis, how does it affect to your performance?

Of course, I always want to win! And I know I have conditions for it when I'm in good shape. Right now I'm not. This year I am training almost half of what I should, because of sinusitis. This makes it difficult to maintain motivation, since I can not carry my planning as I would like. Actually, I'm not at my best.

We have to talk about your "new" team, Olympia Factory Cycling, with whom you have already participated in La Rioja Bike Race and you will be one of the favourite teams for the victory ...

I feel very integrated into the team, even more so than in La Rioja Bike Race. We have some language 'issues' difficulties, but the whole team, both the Mountain Bikers and the staff are very nice and calm. At the same time, they are ambitious and professional. Throughout my career I’m used to be racing on my own, and now I’m looking forward to be with these guys for the MMR Asturias Bike Race.