feeling to ride with the stripes on the jersey! I think it also gave me more opportunities with some new sponsors and a lot more, so I can't really complain about anything.”
You have decided to move up from the U23 class to the Elite class. How difficult has that been for you?
Malene Kejlstrup: “It is a change for me, but it doesn’t feel that difficult. I got the chance to race against the Elite last year in some European Cups, which helped a lot. Of course, the level is higher, and it can be hard for me mentally when you go from U23 where I was battling for 1st place in the finals and now it’s tough racing starting from the 1st round with stacked motos every time.”
You are now lining up on the gate among legends in the sport of BMX Racing. How does it feel competing directly against them?
Malene Kejlstrup: “That’s crazy! It feels really cool to race against them. I have looked up to a lot of those girls I’m trying to beat now, haha. I’m doing my best to keep up with the legends of the sport, and beating them one day, would be just awesome!”
What is your opinion on the track in Glasgow? Is it a track that suits you?
Malene Kejlstrup: “I loved it at the World Cup last year. I remember it was really technical and that suits me really well. I heard they made some changes to it (made it a little easier I guess) but I see a lot of the jumps are still the same, and I like that!”
With loads of other cycling disciplines traveling to Glasgow for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships do you plan on visiting other races to watch?
Malene Kejlstrup: “I like watching a lot of different cycling disciplines, so hopefully we got some time to do that! Also cheering on other Danes cyclists would be nice!”
Would making a final in Elite Women at the 2023 UCI World Championships be a result you would be content with or are you shooting for that W1 plate?
Malene Kejlstrup: “I would be more than satisfied with a final in Elite. It’s a really tough class, and a lot of girls to beat to make that final. If I make the final I’ll do my best to make something happen. But no expectations for the W1 plate, you got to remember there’s a difference between U23 and Elite. Really can’t wait to race in Glasgow, it’s going to be a lot of fun!”
Pics by Pic by Jesper Gronnemark / Red Bull Content Pool
What does U23 UCI World Champion Malene Kejlstrup think of Glasgow? Preparation has started.
Jun 28, 2023
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With the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships approaching this summer it was time to check in with U23 BMX Racing World Champion Malene Kejlstrup to check what she things of the event and what her opinion is on the BMX track in Glasgow which hosted two UCI BMX Racing World Cups in 2022.
How has your life been since you started racing in that UCI rainbow jersey?
Malene Kejlstrup: “I never got the chance to do races in the jersey, because I changed immediately to elite after. But I do almost all my training sessions in it, and that feels great! It’s just a really special
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