UCI Gravel World Championships - this is my ride with Mie Pedersen
This has been a standout season for Mie Pedersen. She had an excellent performance in UCI Gravel World Series, Gravel Grit ‘n Grind Halmstad in a strong field, finishing 10th. At the UCI Gravel World Series, Gravel Challenge Blaavandshuk, she battled through a tough day to place fourth, and in her first Nationals on the road she finished 10th. But her overall best experience – and biggest challenge – was UCI Gravel World Championships in Italy. We had a chance to talk with her about the race.
A18: Tell us a bit about the course itself in Italy.
Mie Pedersen: The route was one of the most challenging I have ever faced. Seventy-five percent of the course was pure gravel, and not just your typical packed-road surface – some parts wouldn’t have been out of place in a MTB course, like a tough descent through a rock garden. We passed through vineyards and tackled a total of 11 climbs, some at more than 20% grade. The stage started with a loop around a small lake, which included a short cyclocross section, before riding up to Pieve Di Soligo. After that, the course took us out of the city and to the second loop, which took us through Pieve de Soligo three times. That section was like a street party with a big crowd and the feed zone.
A18: What were your expectations for the race?
Mie Pedersen: I got a wildcard entry for the elite-level race, and since I’ve never competed at this level before, I didn’t know what to expect. Even riding a recon out at the start area and seeing banners with WC stripes gave me goosebumps. No matter where in the area you were, it was packed with people out cycling. I met everyone from H60 men to Wout Van Aert on my recon. This was a completely new experience for me, and I decided that my strategy was to ride as wisely as possible and enjoy the day, and then we would see what the result would be.
A18: How big was the difference between the age-group field and the elite field?
Mie Pedersen: Many of the women I race regularly at the age-group level also competed in the elite field at Worlds, so in that way, it was a familiar crowd. The big difference, however, was that approximately twenty-five professional cyclists were also there, meaning the race was full gas from the start. The speed was so high, and you had to keep it at full power just to stay in the peloton.
A18: How did Dark Matter fare in race conditions?
Mie Pedersen: It handled with perfection. From the tight cyclocross course at the start to the tarmac sections and the rugged, uneven gravel paths around the vineyards, the Dark Matter was ideal. It was both fast and provided massive comfort at the same time. I used the standard gearing, which was perfect for climbs of 23% and the fast flat sections.
A18: Now that you’ve fulfilled your goal of being in the World Cup – at the elite level no less – what’s next?
Mie Pedersen: My 2024 goals for road and gravel are to reach as many podiums as possible and improve my position of 50th at the World Championships next year. It looks like next year’s route will suit me more than this years!
Follow Mie's journey towards her goals for the 2024 season on her Strava and Instagram.
