So the last time we spoke, you were riding for the Voxwomen team at the Revolution and now you’re the new World Champion. How does that feel?
It feels amazing. I enjoy training in the rainbow jersey and I can’t wait until the season starts and I can race in it.
When you crossed the line, did you know that you had won? We didn’t notice a victory salute…
I won with half a wheel to Kirsten Wild so I could see it. I just didn’t expect to win and my head kind of went blank, I didn’t know how to react. I would have loved some cool pictures of me throwing my hands in the air…but I was really surprised and happy.
How did you celebrate your win?
The same evening as the race our national coach Catherine Marsal took Julie, Cecilie and I to a restaurant in Doha, and we had a nice meal and enjoyed ourselves and the victory.
The following day, when the elite-men had finished their race I went with all the Danish staff and the elite-men to a sports bar on another hotel (since our hotel wasn’t allowed to serve alcohol), and even though I am not 21 I was allowed to get in 😉
Do you feel that the added media attention the jersey brings will put more pressure on you next season?
Yes I think the added media attention will put more pressure on me. The last two seasons people didn’t know me too well, now a lot of people know my name. But I will try to focus on myself and try to keep developing like I have done the previous two seasons.
This past season you have ridden supporting other riders, what do you think your win will do to the team dynamic? Do you expect to have more opportunities to race for yourself?
I hope I will get some more opportunities myself when the races end up in a bunch sprint or if I manage to get myself in a reduced bunch. But 2017 is only going to be my third as a senior, there are still plenty of races I haven’t done, like most of the races in the spring, and I will still do the best I can to support my teammates. I have developed a lot in my two years with Boels-Dolmans Cycling Team and hope to keep developing the same way. But of course I would like to show the jersey.
What team do you think will be Boels biggest rivals next year?
I find it hard to say what team that is going to be our biggest rival next year. A lot of riders have changed teams and I think it is going to be interesting to see all the new team dynamics.
How is your offseason, what have you been up to?
Well, it actually went really quick. I flew directly from Qatar to Abu Dhabi and the UCI Gala, so quickly a few days went by before I returned to Denmark. Then I had a few days left of the school autumn holiday which I used to relax, see some friends, catch up on some school assignments/essays and I did some interviews. After that I started with school again and on the 28th – 30th of October I raced during the London Six days. A tough start but nice to have fun with the other girls.
We’re looking forward to welcoming you back to the Voxwomen team at the next Revolution, how is your form on the track? Do you expect to steal the show again when you return?
Last time I was in pretty good shape building up towards the World Championships. Now I just finished my off-season and I am doing some winter training, so my shape isn’t going to be the same, but I will do my very best and hope to do okay with the team.
Amalie re-joins the Voxwomen team along with Amy Cure and Amber Joseph during the first round of the new Champions League at the Revolution in Manchester.
