Villumsen heading back to Europe

Mar 2nd, 10.  Linda Villumsen is heading back to Europe tomorrow where she's racing as a Kiwi for the first time, but all going well she'll be back this way to represent her new country later in the year.

Villumsen chatting to RoadCycling.co.nz

New Zealand's newest elite cyclist is once again racing for HTC Columbia during the European summer season of racing.

"I am a worker on the team, so I have to be ready for whatever there is to do. I might get my own chances in a couple of the smaller stage races and see what I can do," Villumsen said.

With a fair few days of racing in her legs already this year, Villumsen is starting the season a little differently than in the past.

"I had to do a couple of races, being on the [NZ] national team. I have done a bit different preparation but I actually feel it will be good for the season to start a bit earlier, and have that advantage for the spring classics etc," the Danish born cyclist said.

The spring classics aren't her favourite races, but Villumsen knows she's a good resource for the team.  She knows she can do her job early on, do whatever she can, and she doesn't necessarily have to finish each race.

She's not always a worker though and when the 24 year old gets the chance to shine, she shines brightly.

Villumsen at the NZ Elite Nationals where she finished 2nd behind breakaway rider Rushlee Buchanan ©RoadCycling.co.nz

What Villumsen means is the result sheets aren't the measure of whether she's had a good season.  However, HTC Columbia know the value she brings to the team as a good allrounder and great time trialler, they've signed her up for the third consecutive year.

Those results Villumsen mentioned for 2009 include winning the five stage Thüringen Rundfahrt, earning four stage or one day race wins and four other podium finishes not to mention both Danish national titles and a bronze medal at the UCI World Road Championships time trial.

Villumsen's big goals for 2010 come later in the season - October's big double, the Commonwealth Games and the UCI World Championships.

"As long as I get the chance for the Worlds and Commonwealth Games it's all that matters. It's bigger to win medals than to win stage races," she said.

When she won her bronze medal last year Villumsen said, "I’m happy for my bronze medal.  It’s not so far from silver, just three seconds away, but maybe next year it’ll be better.”

New Zealand will be right behind her this time as she chases the country's first ever UCI World Championship medal. 

Tomorrow's journey will take Villumsen back to her European home in the Northern part of Italy.  She lives in the same area as the Australian national team, but in true Kiwi style, she doesn't have that much to do with them.

"I let them go one way, and I go the other way around the lakes."

This new Kiwi has learnt fast.