Julia Borgström narrates her cycling adventure

Julia joined our team AG Insurance – Soudal Quick-Step at the age of 18. With her versatility, she excels in races involving significant climbing, but her love for cobblestones is equally strong, resulting in her best performance as the Swedish national champion on the road in the U23 category in 2022. Continue reading to discover more about Julia's impressive cycling journey.

I was introduced to the world of cycling through a friend who invited me to a "kids training" organised by her parents at the local cycling club. Initially, it involved more ball playing than actual cycling. What began with riding city bikes around cones in a parking lot evolved into my parents buying a road bike for me and my younger brother. As a family, cycling started to consume more of our time, progressing from training rides to participating in local races. Eventually, I expanded my horizons beyond Sweden, seeking more challenging races.

At 15, I moved 4.5 hours away from home to attend a national sports high school for cycling. It was here that I truly discovered my love for the sport and began focusing on developing my skills for international competitions.

Being a Swedish cyclist in a Belgian team has been an eye-opening experience. Initially staying in the Netherlands, I realized the cultural differences living on my own abroad. While it's fantastic that cycling is widely recognized in Belgium compared to Sweden, some aspects, like not accepting my credit card everywhere, or the different infrastructure, took some adjustment. These daily life nuances, such as stores closing early on Sundays, occasionally led to minor blunders, yet these experiences have added layers to my personal growth, enhancing my adaptability within the dynamic cultural tapestry of my cycling journey.

My personal goals within the team revolve around continuous development. While I now feel like a part of the peloton, I believe there's still much to learn and contribute. I'm particularly excited about the upcoming classics, hoping to turn around the challenges I faced this year.

A typical day of training at home starts around 8 am with a hearty breakfast and a strong coffee. I hit the road for a ride around 9 or 10 am, sometimes teaming up with my triathlete friend or enjoying a solo adventure with a lively podcast. After returning home, a quick shower is followed by lunch.

The rest of the day varies: it can be a day on the couch, going to the gym, meeting with my physiotherapist or nutritionist, or working on my computer. I also coach some enthusiastic individuals. In the evenings, I usually cook together with my friend or join our parents for a cozy meal.

On training camps, the routine is similar, but with the added pleasure of riding with teammates and friends. Camp life means less daily chores and more focus on cycling, relaxation, and valuable discussions with sports directors or my coach when they're around.

When I'm back home, especially after being away for a while, I love cycling along the coast – it's my absolute favorite spot. It's challenging to motivate myself to ride elsewhere, considering the picturesque charm of the coastal routes. Yet, there are also serene, enchanting roads weaving through the woods that I find irresistible. When I'm not home, I cherish spending time at my parents' place by Lake Como in northern Italy. It's a stunning location, offering both tranquility off the bike and breathtaking cycling experiences. Clearly, being close to water and enjoying scenic rides is where my happiness thrives.

Cycling is not just my profession, it is my greatest passion in life, and I take pride in dedicating my full time to it. One of my favorite memories is standing on the podium to receive the white jersey in the Tour de France Femmes 2022. Celebrating with the team in the camper marked a significant highlight in my career.

Besides the bike, when I find a precious moment to unwind, I indulge in my love for reading. During rare summer days when my schedule aligns with my father's free time, we seize the opportunity to go sailing. Sailing with my father or the entire family serves as my sanctuary—a space where I can completely relax and be my authentic self.

Throughout my cycling career, persistent challenges have emphasized the importance of a supportive network, both within the cycling team and at home. Mental preparation and health are significant aspects, with an emphasis on the value of happiness. Recognizing this has taught me to seek help when needed. Fortunately, my close surroundings, especially at home, serve as a reliable safety net, empowering me to face challenges. The frequency of assistance varies—sometimes daily, other times at the right moment. Finding the right balance highlights how crucial it is to surround yourself with people whom I can fully trust.

In the realm of mental preparation, I've discovered a fundamental truth: a happy rider is undeniably a fast rider, making it my top priority. Over the years, I've collaborated with various psychologists and mental performance coaches to address specific challenges such as performance anxiety. However, the most crucial lesson I've gleaned is the necessity to prioritize activities that bring me joy, as it significantly influences my riding performance. Equally vital is the realization that seeking help is not only acceptable but essential. Whether or not there's a clear problem at the moment, tending to one's mental well-being is as vital as addressing physical aspects.

Looking ahead, my aim is clear: to continue evolving. I'm driven to enhance both my physical and mental prowess, seeking increased strength and victories in cycling. Beyond personal achievements, I aspire to be a source of inspiration for girls and women, encouraging them to pursue their dreams, whether seemingly modest or overwhelmingly ambitious. Remember, no dream is too small or too grand—just go for it!