Tell us a little about yourself. What do you do, where do you live? How old were you when you first started cycling and how did you get started?
I live in Cluj-Napoca,România, in the eastern part of Europe. I am 56, my degree is in civil engineering. We run together with my brother and a former university colleague, a beverages distribution company. My daughter is a grown adult now, my wife’s schedule is pretty busy as a teacher, so in the last years I have had plenty of time for myself.
What was/is the most challenging thing about cycling for you?
I started cycling six years ago, in 2018. First it was swimming as part of physical recovery after a hand fracture. At the pool were a bunch of triathletes and I joined them. It was hard to train for 3 different sport disciplines but demanding as well. During the pandemic all the pools were closed so in 2020 I focused on running and cycling. Running was never my favorite and I realized how rewarding cycling can be. You are mostly outdoors, you have to travel in order to discover new places, the people you know and friendships you start. The more you have the apparels, helmets, shoes, computers, very tech spare parts, wheels and the list is endless, but mostly this mechanical marvel a modern bicycle is. Very interesting for an engineer, don’t you think so?
What is it about cycling that connects/inspires you?
The most challenging and rewarding thing about cycling is to run a bicycle race. You fight against your weaknesses, fears, you fight against and together with other people like you, you fight against the elements of heat, cold, rain etc.
How does cycling impact your life?
Now I am aware that cycling is the backbone of my life, sometimes it is too much and I need a break, but after a couple of rest days I am happy to jump on the saddle again.
Where has been your favorite place to ride?
I rode in many different places all over Europe, for the moment I am most happy to ride in the south of Spain on the Costa Blanca. The scenery is great, you have the seacoast, the hills and some mountains, not very high but very appropriate for 2 wheels. The weather is cyclist friendly during the entire year, except maybe two months in the summertime, people are friendly and the drivers are very polite.
What 3 words would you use to describe cycling?
In 3 words, for me, cycling is a lot of joy in-between sweat and pain.