We continue our end-of-year series featuring members of the UCI Athletes’ Commission. Today, German track cyclist Kristina Vogel looks back on her year: the highs, the lows and the memorable moments.
Personal sporting highlight of the year
The European Championships in Berlin. It was the first time since 2003 that such a big event was hosted in Germany. It was so special to win medals in front of my home crowd! Disappointment / bad moment of the year
My first coach Jochen Wilhelm died after losing his fight against cancer My biggest surprise of the year
My election to the UCI Athletes’ Commission and as riders’ representative to the Track Commission. I’m proud that the athletes voted for me.
Advice
Chase your dream. No matter what.
My cycling hero of the year
Maximilian Levy, who won the European keirin title in Berlin. After so many operations, injuries and going through those moments when you ask yourself why you are doing this, he deserved this gold medal so much. Other cycling discipline I would like to try
I started my career as a road cyclist. So, if I have the chance, I would try all the other disciplines. That’s the good thing about cycling: it has so many sides. My favourite cycling race/competition of the year as a competitor
The UCI Track Cycling World Championships. To win a rainbow jersey and to know that you can wear it a whole year is so exciting. The feeling when you wear these stripes is magical.
My favourite cycling race/competition of the year as a spectator
Because I’m so happy that track cycling is back in Germany… the Europeans in Berlin My sporting ambition(s) for 2018
Winn the rainbow jersey