At the start of 2011 not to many people in the world of Winter Triathlon had heard of Borghild Løvset.
Now, as European Champion and World Champion, the Norwegian is the name on everyone’s mind after a stunning debut season in the competition in which she swept away all before her.
Coming from a cycling background, Løvset wanted to try a new sport and began competing in the Norwegian Triathlon Championships in January. However, a difficult start almost put her off winter triathlon after just one race. “On my first competition in January everything went wrong”, says Løvset, “I struggled with the running, and the cycling, which is my strength, was on a really difficult course.
“Together with two difficult changes the race was a nightmare and I said ‘never again’ as I finished.”
Thankfully, Borghild changed her mind and after months of training she made her ETU debut at the European Cup in Lahte, Estonia. A terrific performance saw her claim victory with a lead of almost seven minutes over the field.
She said: “This was my first European Cup and so I didn’t really know where I stood against the other competitors. But the race went really well and it gave me a real confidence boost ahead of the European Championships.”
Having laid down a marker at Lahte, Løvset rose to the challenge again as she lead confidently from start to finish in Östersund. A strong opening run gave her a sufficient lead and despite a small mistake at T2 she was able to control the race.
“Östersund was a good race. I had managed to build up a pretty big lead after the run and the bike but I made a mistake in coming in to T2 one lap too early. I had already changed into my ski shoes when my coach shouted at me to do one more cycle lap
“When I changed back into the cycle shoes I was thinking ‘Will I lose this race because of such a stupid mistake’”.
Once on the skis for good, Borghild was able to maintain the small gap and extend it on the final lap. “When I heard the gap had increased after two laps of skiing I knew I would win and the last lap felt really good.”
As European Champion, Løvset travelled to Jamijarvi in high spirits and continued her amazing success by being crowned World Champion with victory in Finland.
“Crossing the finish line was an amazing moment. I didn’t have the best legs in the run but I stayed calm, concentrated on my own pace and a really strong cycle put me in a good position.”
Reflecting on a whirlwind few months Borghild is enthusiastic about her future in winter triathlon. She said; “I have been really pleased with the events and the courses and it feels great to have achieved my success.
“I am new to the sport but I have always been ambitious. I knew my form was good after training but I did not expect this.
“I hope to come back to Winter Triathlon next year and defend my titles.”
The ETU would like to thank Borghild for her time. A full list of Borghild’s results and times can be seen here.