Cyclist Voinova talks about her first race after maternity leave: ‘It was hard and fun’

Olympic medalist in track cycling Anastasia Voinova admitted that the first start after a career break was not easy for her.

Voinova took part in a series of competitions in Omsk, which were her first after the birth of her child.

“I was pleased to have completed the first start after the break. I won’t be a hero – it was hard, it was one of my most difficult races in terms of legs, in terms of fitness,” Voinova told .

— There was no question for yourself: “Nastya, why did you start all this?

— That’s when I started training. “Why did I start all this, it’s not my legs, I have no strength or speed.” Now such thoughts no longer exist. I like the competition, the racing atmosphere, the racing spirit. On the last day, after running the 500m, my nervous system relaxed and I realized how tired I was.

Overall, I was happy with this competitive control in terms of seconds. I spoke to my coach (Vladimir Khozov). When he offered me to start competing in Omsk, I was skeptical, I said that it was too early for me, but then I realized that it was a good decision. Now it’s time to prepare for the Grand Prix in Tula, Moscow and St. Petersburg. If we started with this block, it would not be clear, we would not be able to analyze where we are going and how to prepare for the Russian Championship.

Now, at the Grand Prix, you want to see the progress, understand if the form is coming back or not. And so, in Omsk it was hard and fun. Considering that I’m not in good shape, it’s been a long time since I had such sensations in my legs when I was already accelerating. But overall, I’m happy to find this atmosphere again. I’m happy with the decision to start so early.