He runs one of Germanys most popular bicycle blogs.
Now Claude Walter moves in his blog to Cykla.se.
”I will write most about how to prepare for Vätternrundan”, says CyclingClaude.
This spring, Cykla.se became international when the Englishman Gary ”Flemingway” Fleming started blogging on the site. Through CyclingClaude, Germany is also represented. A country where cycling is growing strongly. Something not least noticed in the number of participants in Vätternrundan, where Germany was the second most represented country – after Sweden.
One of the German cyclists was Claude Walter, who this summer made his eighth tour around the lake.
”The best is the atmosphere around the race, created by the big crowds coming to Motala every year. You can talk to so many people who are interested in the same thing”, he says and countinues:
”Then it’s always exciting because you never know what the conditions are like. It’s always important to have respect before you get there. Even though I have done it eight times, I don’t know what to expect. But it feels like you do it once, or continue for life.”
Claude cycled a lot when he was younger, but stepped off when other interests took over. And it was only in 2009 that the now 52-year-old German resumed cycling.
”I’m cycling to enjoy life. As long as I ride, I can eat and drink as much as I want.”
The year after, in conjunction with the his first Vätternrundan 2010, he started blogging. A blog that has grown steadily, and last year it was voted the second most popular German cycle blog in an annual poll organized by the online store fahrrad.de (bikester.se in Sweden).
The posts cover everything from product reviews to travel and race stories.
”It has become less and less about training. I’ve noticed that there are not so many who care about how much I’m cycling”, he says and laughs.
On Cykla.se, however, the most is about Vätternrundan and how to prepare for the race.
”Vätternrundan is a constantly relevant topic. I get so many questions about what to eat, how to practice and how to stay in Motala. I will focus on those who will do the race for the first time.”
What advice do you have for first time riders?
”Have a good plan on how to manage the 300 kilometers and set up milestones on the way”.
Text: Pierre Henriksson
Photo: Private
Claudes has already made his blog debut on Cykla, and his first post can you find here. You’ll find all his posts on cykla.se/bloggar/cycling-claude.
Claude ”CyclingClaude” Walter
Age: 52.
Lives: Dietzenbach, Germany.
Occupation: Marketing Manager.
Family: ”Lovely partner who gives me room for cycling and blogging, 14 year old son.”
You will find Claudes ordinary blog at cycling.claude.de.
