MARIANA GÓMEZ
AGE: 30 | BORN IN COLOMBIA
MEET MARIANA GÓMEZ
How did you get started in cycling?
I’ve always been very athletic. After retiring from football, I took up tennis as a hobby and started going to the gym. However, my body was accustomed to outdoor sports that required a lot of time and burned a lot of energy. Some close friends were into cycling and tried to persuade me to join them, but I always responded with, “No, that’s too much work. It’s scary.” After many conversations, they finally convinced me. They lent me a bike, and the next day I went up to Palmas and loved it. Of course, I suffered a lot; it was really tough, but the satisfaction of achieving something new outweighed all the pain. I searched for a bike that fit my budget, and after much deliberation, I bought one. For the first two years, it was just a recreational activity, something I did occasionally. But in 2017, I started training with Jenaro, a well-known coach in Colombia. I added a power meter to my bike, and from that day on, I became fully invested. Within two months, I had significantly improved, going from climbing Palmas in 57 minutes to doing it in 49 minutes. This was a huge achievement, and such progress motivates me to keep training. Today, I’ve been dedicated to cycling for nine years and am incredibly happy enduring the challenges it brings.
What type of cycling do you practice?
I do road cycling and am starting to explore gravel riding. It’s a modality that increasingly captures my interest, and I want to try many new routes.
What is your AURUM bike? Why did you choose it?
I currently own two AURUM bikes:
- MAGMA: I couldn’t ask for a better companion for my challenges, adventures, and road races. I feel absolutely comfortable on it and am always seeking more performance from my bike. That’s why I look for the best components, lower weight, and other features. “Born from experience” perfectly describes how I feel about it. I know it’s designed based on the experiences of World Tour riders and their high standards. If it works for them, it’s excellent for me.
- MANTO: I dreamed of having this bike ever since I heard that AURUM was developing a gravel bike. It’s comfortable, spectacular, lightweight, with top-notch components, and all that’s left is for me to ride it more.
Do you have a favourite route? Which one and why?
Yes, for me, the “Páramo de Letras” is the route that brings out the best in me. It’s an 80.3 km climb that offers a range of climates and moods. Starting from Mariquita, Tolima, you’re at 495 meters above sea level, and by the time you reach the páramo, you’re at 3,700 meters. It’s an incredibly spectacular route, with all kinds of views. In Colombia, we say that climbing it is like graduating as a cyclist.
How do you prepare for a ride? Do you have a special routine?
For a regular ride, not really. I always do the same things, but it’s not something special. I shower, have breakfast, apply sunscreen, get dressed (uniform, helmet, shoes, glasses, etc.), and I’m ready. However, if I’m going for a long ride, something that requires more effort than usual, I plan my nutrition better beforehand and during the ride. I prepare a more complete breakfast and carefully choose what to bring for the ride (gels, bars, salt tablets, electrolytes, etc.).
What other sports do you practice to complement cycling?
I do a lot of strength training at home. I’ve set up a room as a “gym” where I have everything I need for exercise. I’ve had phases where I felt like running, and I’m currently considering starting again, but we’ll see.
How do you manage nutrition before and after a ride?
I’m a vegetarian, which mainly influences my post-ride nutrition since consuming enough protein is essential. Initially, I wasn’t sure how to get enough protein. I love eating and don’t like diets or restrictions.
Before: I love breakfasts and cooking, so I make delicious pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, or eggs with bread. These provide a good source of carbs, protein, and fats.
After: I’m always very hungry, so if I trained hard, whether it was a long ride or strength intervals, I consume protein shakes. For meals, I go with whatever I feel like, but I keep it balanced.
Do you have any advice for those looking to buy their first bike?
Yes. It’s worth investing in a good bike from the start without going to extremes. Often, we think of buying something simple to try out, but once we’re hooked, we want to upgrade, and we end up spending more money overall. “Cheap ends up being expensive.” Also, buy a bike you love because you’ll want to ride it. Start with easy routes, take it step by step, and don’t compare your progress to others.
How has cycling influenced your social life?
A lot! I’ve made friends through cycling, planned trips and vacations around it, and missed out on some plans because of it. But it’s all been worth it. I love this lifestyle, and the key is finding a balance. If there’s a party, I don’t deprive myself, but in general, I live a very calm life. My family, close friends, and partner are all into sports, so I’ve surrounded myself with people who share my interests.
How do you avoid injuries? Do you have a warm-up routine?
I don’t have a specific warm-up routine, but I’m very aware that the body takes time to warm up, so the first few minutes of my training are gentle. I’m diligent about strength training, doing exercises focused on cycling and activating the muscles needed for the movement. I’ve also learned the importance of rest and that it’s a crucial part of training.
Is there a cyclist you admire? Why?
To me, all cyclists are admirable; this sport is for superhumans. You have to know how to suffer to be a cyclist. If I had to choose a specific one, I greatly admire Alberto Contador. Even before I joined AURUM, he was my favorite cyclist. I loved his racing style, attacking strategy, and race intelligence. Currently, we’re seeing a very different kind of cycling with incredible races, but I don’t have a particular favorite. I admire all of them and the extraordinary level of the top riders today.
