MORNING RIDE
During a morning ride, former pro Malene Degn reflects about her identity. Becoming a mom, being an elite rider, being with Nino.
RIDE STORY, October 2025
On an early autumn morning, former pro rider Malene Degn heads out for a quiet ride, a moment to reflect on a life that is changing faster than ever. From a decade of World Cup racing to moving abroad and becoming pregnant, she is learning what it means to let go, slow down and rediscover herself in a new phase of life.
As the sun rises over the misty fields, Malene thinks back to where it all began. She entered elite cycling young, talented and fast. Success came early, but with it came a reality that never fully fit her personality: a world where only one person is “good enough.”
“You have so many riders doing their absolute best,” she says. But there is always just one winner. I’ve always struggled with that.”
Racing meant living with extremes, the thrill of winning and the deep disappointment of losing and learning to balance the athlete with the private Malene, the one grounded in close friendships, connection and a life outside results.
As the sun rises over the misty fields, Malene thinks back to where it all began. She entered elite cycling young, talented and fast. Success came early, but with it came a reality that never fully fit her personality: a world where only one person is “good enough.”
“You have so many riders doing their absolute best,” she says. But there is always just one winner. I’ve always struggled with that.”
Racing meant living with extremes, the thrill of winning and the deep disappointment of losing and learning to balance the athlete with the private Malene, the one grounded in close friendships, connection and a life outside results.
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It's a shift in our lives. From full focus on racing to becoming a family.
Colours. Of autumn. Of the GripGrab wear...
Ending the story - looking ahead.
