Already in the team since the summer of 2014, Norwegian champion Vita Heine is one of the most experienced riders of Team Hitec Products – Birk Sport. After racing the Setmana Ciclista Valenciana, Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Le Samyn des Dames, she is now up for her fourth race of the season. Next Sunday Vita will race Gent-Wevelgem. Time to meet the 34 year old rider, who won the Norwegian championships three years in a row.
Already in the team for five years, Vita knows what to expect this season and she is hopeful. “I am sure everyone will have great improvements in 2019, because I see a lot of motivation and potential”, she tells. So, who do we have to watch? “If I need to point out one person, it would be Lonneke as she impressed me in Le Samyn finishing 21st in a very hard race. It was her second race with the elite women.”
Lonneke Uneken did that in the week when the whole team was together and all riders got to know each other. “The atmosphere is very nice”, says Vita about that. “Everyone is committed to develop together as a team and to do the best for the team in races.” The young riders get the chance to grow, Vita sees. “The team is very important for the development of Norwegian talents, giving us an irreplaceable experience in racing on the highest level.”
– Text continues below the photo –
To gain the experience, the young riders need guidance and Vita can give that. However, she has her own goals too. “I want to go for a top-10 result in the individual time trial of the world championships, as well as a top result in one of the Women’s World Tour races. Besides that I would also love to win a UCI race again.”
So where can we expect Vita? “I am a puncheur type of rider, who does best in races with medium long hills. And I am good at breakaways and also the individual time trials. I really like the long hard races with some hills, so I hope to show myself in those.”
Do you want to know more about Vita Heine? Have a look on her page on this website.
Photo’s: Sportfoto.nl