Ahead of the race weekend, Valtteri Bottas chose an unconventional way to travel to the event by ditching the plane and completing a 350-kilometer bike ride. The Finnish driver opted for gravel roads to find a quieter and less hectic alternative to the usual busy racing weekends.
This unusual journey allowed the Audi driver to escape the noisy Formula 1 world and enjoy the physical and mental benefits of cycling. According to Valtteri Bottas, such challenges help him clear his mind and maintain a high level of endurance.
Valtteri Bottas
"There’s a lack of traffic out there, especially on the gravel roads—you just don’t see anybody," Valtteri Bottas says. "The gravel is pretty hard packed and fast, and there are also some trails. A lot of the route is cross-country ski routes from the winter. There are no mountains. Nothing that anyone can’t climb, anyway."
The driver notes that Formula 1 weekends are hectic when fans arrive, making it tricky to even leave the hotel for dinner without being recognized. In contrast, cycling allows Valtteri Bottas to feel like just another guy in the crowd.
"It’s an addiction for me," he says. "It’s good for me physically, and it does help with my racing. My endurance is on a good level thanks to cycling. But most importantly it’s good for my head. It’s a good escape from the noisy F1 world."
Valtteri Bottas currently sits 22nd in the drivers' championship standings with 0 points.
Source: Motorsport
