Julie Abrahamsen is not your typical cyclist. To the outside world, cycling might seem like just a hobby. But those who know her understand it’s far more than that; it’s a lifestyle she has carefully structured around her busy Copenhagen life. A balancing act where architect studies, work and cycling both clash and complement each other.

Every day is planned with precision to make room for training. Her alarm rings early most mornings, marking the start of another carefully orchestrated day. Whether it’s Zwift sessions before class, strength training at the gym, or long endurance rides on the weekend, Julie’s schedule is shaped and punctuated by her commitment to the bike.

Winter in Denmark can be relentless. Dark mornings, biting cold, and never ending headwinds. While others might escape to sunny Spain for months of uninterrupted training, Julie stays home, with everyday responsibilities keeping her grounded. “You just have to deal with it” she says. Whether it’s hours on her indoor trainer or braving the harsh conditions outside, circumstances do not become excuses.

Her bikes, populate her minimalistic Scandinavian apartment, occupying space as the central piece of an art museum, there is no doubt where priorities lie - it's all bikes. This presence is felt throughout all the aspects of Julie's life. Her bikes are always part of the package. From summer vacations to weekend family visits, everything is planned around the riding. “Leaving the bike at home is simply not an option.” Says Julie with a grin on her face.

"Every week begins the same way: Sunday evening is planning time. Which days am I working? When do I have to be at school? When can I work on my drawings from home?" By Sunday night, Julie already knows the decisions she’ll face later in the week. “On Thursday, do I prioritize sleep or wake up ridiculously early to squeeze in a training session?” she reflects. “Often, it ends up being a rest day. But can you really call it rest when the day is packed with lectures and work?”

It’s not just the schedule that requires balance. There are days when her best efforts simply aren’t enough. “After a tough exam at school, you might hop on the trainer late at night for a Zwift race, determined to perform well,” she explains. “But sometimes, no matter how much you want it, your body just doesn’t cooperate.” Accepting that you can’t always perform at your peak is part of the journey. A humbling reminder of the balance between ambition and reality.

But come the weekend, Julie lets go of the reins. Gravel racing is where she finds freedom, an escape from the confines of control. Her usual precision gives way to adrenaline and racing. Among Denmark’s best gravel racers, she pushes her limits. Deep breaths, her heart pounding with exhilaration, and for a few hours, Julie is focused, and in her element.

For Julie, cycling is the channel she uses to test her mental strength. Through training and racing, she escapes the confines of everyday life. And even when facing the constant danish headwinds or when motivation wanes, she pushes. “It’s dedication,” she admits. “And maybe a little bit of an addiction.”

This year, Julie embarks on a new chapter as she enters the gravel racing scene with the newly formed team, Pasta Racing. Competing in the Women’s Elite Class, she’ll go up against cyclists who are full-time professionals. For Julie, this means accepting the reality of balancing her studies, work, and personal life alongside her racing ambitions. It’s not easy, but it’s all part of the challenge she loves.

Julie’s story is one of perseverance, discipline, and passion. It’s about showing up, no matter the obstacles, and proving that you don’t need perfect conditions to chase your dreams, you just need the drive to keep going.

By ANTOINE FALZON
Photos by EMIL BORG
© GripGrab 2024