Unlock Your Potential: Eva Finds Strength, Balance, and Joy On and Off the Bike

What first drew you to cycling, and how did growing up in Spain influence your passion for the sport?

I actually got into cycling thanks to my brother. He was the first to start, and I followed in his footsteps. What began as something we shared quickly became a true passion for me. I completely fell in love with the sport. I love what I do as cycling gives me a sense of freedom, adrenaline, and discipline all at once.

Growing up in Spain definitely fueled that passion. Cycling is growing fast here, and more and more people are discovering how amazing it is. We’re lucky to have incredible landscapes and roads that make every ride special. It’s the perfect country to fall in love with cycling.

Can you describe a pivotal moment in your cycling journey that significantly impacted your career?

One of the most pivotal moments in my journey was the first time I was selected to race internationally. It was the kind of opportunity that made everything feel real. All the hours of training, the sacrifices, the early mornings. That moment gave me the confidence to believe that I could compete at the highest level and pushed me to take my career more seriously. It shifted my mindset from simply riding and enjoying the sport, to truly striving to become the best version of myself as an athlete.

How do you balance the rigorous demands of professional cycling with maintaining mental well-being?

Balancing the intensity of professional cycling with mental well-being isn’t always easy, but I’ve learned how important it is to take care of both the body and the mind. I try to stay connected with my family and friends, even if I’m traveling a lot, they ground me. I also make space for small daily habits like reading, or spending time with my partner. We love going for walks, having coffee together, and trying new restaurants from time to time. Recovery isn’t just physical; giving myself time to disconnect mentally helps me come back stronger and more focused.

What does your typical training day look like, and how do you stay motivated during challenging periods?

A typical training day starts with a good breakfast and coffee — always coffee! Before heading out, I like to do some mobility exercises to prepare my body, and on days when the training is lighter, I also enjoy studying a bit before getting on the bike.

Then I head out for my ride, which can vary depending on the focus of the day: endurance, intervals, or recovery. After training, I prioritize proper nutrition, stretching, and rest. Sometimes I review the session with my coach or simply disconnect for a while.

Motivation during challenging periods isn’t always easy, but I try to stay connected to my long-term goals and remember how much I love what I do. Celebrating small steps and having a strong support network, including my team and loved ones really helps me stay grounded and focused.

Outside of cycling, what activities or hobbies help you unwind and recharge?

Outside of cycling, I really enjoy reading books. The last one I read was Invicto, which I loved. I also like watching series to relax. After dinner, I treasure spending quality time with my family. Besides that, I love going for walks on the beach or watching sunsets with my partner where these moments help me unwind and find calm. We also enjoy discovering new cafés and trying out new restaurants from time to time. These activities help me recharge and balance my life beyond cycling.

How would you describe your personal style off the bike, and does it reflect your personality?

Off the bike, my personal style is relaxed and natural, much like the way I enjoy life’s simple pleasures. I favor comfortable, casual clothes that suit beach walks or discovering new cafés with my partner. I’m inspired by Stoic philosophy, which helps me stay grounded and focused on what truly matters. My style reflects this mindset — authentic, effortless, and balanced — mirroring my calm, approachable personality and my openness to new experiences, like exploring new restaurants or watching sunsets. Overall, my style expresses who I am: genuine, centered, and connected to the present moment.

You've been using the Luna Ring for health tracking. How has it influenced your training and recovery routines?

Using the Luna Ring has been a game-changer for my training and recovery. It provides detailed insights into my sleep quality, readiness, and overall health, which are crucial for optimizing my performance. Thanks to the data, I can better understand when my body needs rest and when I can push harder in training. This helps me avoid overtraining and recover more efficiently. The Luna Ring has become an essential part of my routine, allowing me to make informed decisions that keep me balanced and performing at my best.

Are there specific features of the Luna Ring that you find particularly beneficial for monitoring your performance?

One of the most important features of the Luna Ring for me is tracking my Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and resting heart rate, as well as the hours and quality of my sleep. For an athlete, rest is one of the most crucial factors for performance and recovery. Monitoring my HRV helps me understand my stress and readiness levels, while my resting heart rate reflects my fitness and recovery state. Tracking how long and how well I sleep allows me to optimize my rest, ensuring my body recovers properly and I can train effectively without risking burnout or injury. Having this detailed data daily is essential to tailor my training and recovery routines smartly.

Can you share a significant challenge you've faced in your career and how you overcame it?

One of the hardest challenges I’ve faced in my career was balancing my studies with the demands of training. Coming home exhausted after training and having to focus on studying was really tough. Another significant challenge was my time with the Zaaf team, when everything became uncertain where we weren’t getting paid, the environment was difficult, and eventually the team disappeared. It was a very dark period. Getting back to training and staying motivated after that was incredibly hard, but I learned a lot about resilience and staying focused on my goals despite the obstacles.

What lessons have you learned from setbacks, and how have they shaped your approach to competition and life?

Setbacks have taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, patience, and perspective. Facing difficult moments, like balancing studies and training or dealing with the challenges at Zaaf, showed me that setbacks are part of the journey, not the end. They’ve helped me develop a mindset inspired by Stoic philosophy by focusing on what I can control, accepting things as they come, and maintaining calm under pressure. These experiences have shaped how I approach competition and life: with determination, balance, and an understanding that growth often comes through adversity.

Where do you envision yourself in the next five years, both professionally and personally?

In the next five years, professionally, I see myself continuing to grow as a cyclist, pushing my limits and competing at higher levels, while also exploring opportunities to share my experiences and knowledge with others, whether through coaching, mentoring, or advocacy for the sport. Personally, I hope to maintain a balanced life, surrounded by family and my partner, enjoying simple moments like walks on the beach, discovering new places to eat, and continuing to learn, both from books like Invicto and life itself. I want to keep growing not just as an athlete, but as a person grounded in authenticity and resilience.

If you could have dinner with any historical figure or athlete, who would it be and why?

I like to find inspiration in different people and take the best from each of them. I believe it’s important to recognize that everyone has flaws, but focusing on the positive qualities is what helps us grow. If I had to mention someone who inspires me today, it would probably be Marianne Vos, for her incredible professional career in cycling. That said, I’m not sure who I would actually choose to have dinner with and I think I’d rather keep that open and be spontaneous about it.