Bauke Mollema: "I missed that a lot from March to May"

Cycling: Bauke Mollema is one of the strong Dutch climbers. No wonder his role model was Marco Pantani, a first-rate climber. In the Velomotion interview, he tells us about his training in the times of Corona and his first contact with cycling.

Bauke Mollema is a specialist for tours and one-day races

In today's cycling, it's not easy to dance at multiple weddings - and successfully at that. But Build Mollema seems to have been doing this extremely well for years. Because unlike most drivers, the Dutchman doesn't just concentrate on a few races on the calendar. The now 33-year-old is strong in one-day races and tours lasting several weeks. For example, he won the Clásica San Sebastián and the Lombardy tour. He has also finished in the top 10 six times in the three major national tours. His strength is undoubtedly climbing. Even better results are only prevented by his weakness in time trials. But although Build Mollema meanwhile already belongs to the scrap heap, we will probably be able to count on him as a one-day and round-trip driver in the coming years.

How do you motivate yourself to train during the Corona break?

Bauke Mollema: "If you're doing something you enjoy, you don't need to motivate yourself. I've always liked working out. and has always liked the long rides and never needed extra motivation. I've never been a big fan of the trainer and have always avoided it as much as possible. But for the last few months I had no other option. But in the end, training on the reels was easier than I expected. Time flew by pretty quickly while watching documentaries and listening to podcasts or the radio.”

How do you relax after a tough training session or after intense races?

“After a hard race I want a good recovery meal and then a massage. When we are transported by bus, I try to read a bit, even at night. It always helps me relax.”

Can you recommend a good series or movie for our readers?

"I wish I had the time to watch more series and movies. But with 3 kids there is always a lot going on at home and we are lucky if we have an hour or two to relax before bed. Only at races or training camps is there more free time. But then I'd rather read than stare at a screen all the time."

What does your favorite food look like and what are you particularly happy about in the food bag?

“Fried potatoes, vegetables, fish, cheese, homemade bread, chocolate… There is too much good food out there! Luckily the restaurants are now reopening. I missed that a lot from March to May. Our food bag is not always the same and depends on the race and sometimes the weather. When it's cold and raining, warm tea is amazing.”

Who do you think is the greatest professional cyclist of all time? Did you have a role model when you were young?

“It's hard to compare drivers from different eras. When I was young I was always a big fan of Marco Pantani. The way he climbed was spectacular!”

Why is cycling the hottest sport in the world?

“Actually, I always wanted to be a professional soccer player. Unfortunately, I didn't have the talent..."

Do you like to watch bike races yourself? Do you remember the first race you saw?

"I don't watch a lot of bike races. Mainly the main classics and sometimes the finale of a tough Grand Tour stage. When I was about 15 years old, we went to the Tour de France a few times. I remember watching the team time trials around Verdun in 2001 and also once the last stage in Paris. I hadn't even ridden a bike then, but in the end it was really cool to be riding the Champs-Élysées myself 10 years later.”

What do you think was the best race of all time?

“Last month I saw an old documentary about Frank Vandenbroucke. I watched Liège - Bastogne - Liège from 1999 again and it was really cool. Of the races I did myself, last year’s Amstel Gold Race was pretty good too.”

What's your next big goal?

“The Olympic Games in Tokyo were a big goal for me this season. Still hoping to be in Japan next year!”

What tips can you pass on to young up-and-coming drivers?

“Don't focus too much on the results, just enjoy cycling. With willpower, self-discipline and perseverance, you can achieve a lot when cycling.”