Mastering speed and style: A conversation with cyclist Linda Jacobsson

*Linda Jacobsson enjoying the picturesque Passo di Valparola in Italy. Credit: Marius Røren*

Self-described as “fast and stylish on the bike”, Linda Jacobsson transcends mere labels as an exceptionally astute and seasoned cyclist.

Hailing from the picturesque city of Lund, Sweden, this 28-year-old luminary has captivated our attention with her enchanting Instagram chronicles, showcasing breathtaking rides against a backdrop of majestic mountains and fields adorned with vibrant lavender blooms.

With impeccable fashion choices, Linda effortlessly merges style and substance in her cycling endeavours.

Relocating to Gothenburg in 2016 with her husband Marcus and 11-month-old daughter Julia, Linda embarked on a transformative journey in 2023, combining nomadic travel with remote web design studies.

In this interview, Linda graciously shares her inspiring story, invaluable tips, and advice for fellow riders. So grab a cup of tea and prepare to be enthralled.

Hi Linda! When did you get into cycling?

I started to ride and race on the road in 2010 when I was 15 years old. For many years, I was competing all-year round and was briefly in the junior and U23 national team. For a few years, my husband and I, who is also a former race cyclist, have done three big bike-packing tours and now we identify more as serious amateur cyclists.

What inspired you to become a cyclist, and how did you overcome any initial challenges or barriers you faced as a woman in the sport?

My father started to ride for training and fun, and both I and my younger brother eventually got interested and tried to ride with him. We found the local club in my home town, and within two years, we were a 100% cycling family. My father was one of the helping coaches, and we travelled around the country, and also to Denmark to race.

Having my family by my side and being part of a club with four girls around my age provided immense support and motivation. During that period, I didn't perceive any specific obstacles, except for the absence of women's races on television, which led me to assume that cycling was predominantly a male-dominated sport. In the local club, women constituted approximately 15% of the participants.

*Linda pictured in a lavender field in Valensole-Provence. Credit:* *@Marcus___svensson*

As a successful female cyclist, what advice would you give to women who are just starting their cycling journey?

Start off with learning the basics. Like taking care of your bike. Make sure it is clean, as you would clean the bathroom sink after your husband has used it!

Learn how to change a puncture, so you do not have to depend on others to fix it.

Check the route of eventual group rides, and be prepared to be dropped and find your own way back.

Ride safely in traffic. Traffic is getting more intense and risky in cities with everybody on their smartphone. Make sure nobody has a reason to complain about your behaviour in traffic.

Dare to boldly declare that you will push your limits on climbs and segments. Embrace the courage to share your achievements and progress on platforms like Strava, revealing your performance metrics and profile.

Ask somebody that knows and get out and ride. Ask, ask, ask questions. Look at how others handle their bike, and try to do the same. The more you ride, the more comfortable you get.

Look fierce. Always. This might be controversial… but if you are both slow and ugly, these are two negative things, so make sure to have a nice kit and accessories!

When you feel you have the bike handling skills, and try to go on group rides and team time trials (TTTs). Do your time in the wind when you can, show people that you want to contribute and get stronger. Nobody likes a total wheel sucker.

And always bring extra “in need” chocolate or gummy bears. You never know if the hammer hits!

Say YES. To challenges, invitations, rides, and post-ride beers… this is the way to network.

Do not give up. You will be dropped and dropped again until you are not anymore.

*Taking a picture break in Annecy Lake, France. Credit: @Marcus___svensson*

How do you fuel your body for optimal performance and recovery as a cyclist?

I eat just about everything. I have no special diet in general, however, it is mostly vegetarian-based for me.

On the bike I always have all sorts of carbs with me, and sometimes electrolytes/sports drinks on big cycling days or races. If I was sponsored or if we had more money, I would go with bars, gels, sports drinks more often, as it is more handy and a good mix of ingredients. But when I don’t, I have everything from a regular Snickers bar, banana, waffles, and gummy bears. What you need during activity is carbs (glucose), and this can be found in all sorts of things.

Do not try to overdo or analyse too much in detail, I would more focus on training and have a more relaxed attitude around food, if I was talking to a beginner.

*Mom duties! Linda tackling the Nufenen in Switzerland with baby Julia. Credit:* *@Marcus___svensson*

Tell us about your training routine!

This is a big question, but I will try to narrow it down. Depending on season, I train about six to 20 hours per week.

During the autumn and winter months, I try to run twice a week, along with two Zwift sessions and one distance/Z2-3 on the weekend. That may vary from week to week as I do not ride outside in bad weather - not anymore at least!

Editor’s note: The Endurance zone is commonly known as Zone 2 (Z2) and includes riding from 55% to 75% of a cyclist's FTP. Zone 3 (Z3) is above 85-87% HRmax and is the zone of lactate accumulation.

During spring and summer, I only ride my road bike. This year is a bit special as we are travelling all the time, but if I was at home it would be one to two fast group rides a week including TTTs, and race-like training, one “social ride”, and something longer on the weekend.

I wish I liked the gym, and I wish I was stronger, but I am not. I am an endurance lover. I hope I can add gym sessions in the future.

*Linda and Marcus with their baby daughter Julia in Sustenpasshöhe, Switzerland. Credit: @Marcus___svensson*

Could you share some of your favourite cycling gadgets and gear that you love?

Invest in cycling shoes with carbon soles, nice kits, helmets and glasses. I say invest because you should easily spend about 1000 to 1500 euros on this. This is a lot to come out of pocket, but it is an investment for the future. I have had the Specialized S-works 7 shoes for five years, and besides the slight fade in colour, they still work super good.

My kits are in collaboration with Biehler who create high-quality and sustainable clothing.

Get a nice mount for your Garmin, preferably the kind that centres it. It looks better.

My helmets are different colours of the Specialized Airnet. This is actually one of their cheaper models, and I like it better because it has a neutral shape and nice colours to match any kit. It also has the perfect holes to put your glasses in when you are not using them.

Glasses for me are either Oakley or POC.

If you are tall like me (175cm), choose men’s bibs if the women’s design are “hot pants”. This looks way better on longer legs in my opinion.

*Linda and baby Julia in Col du Joly, France. Credit: @Marcus___svensson*

What have been your top three favourite rides/cycling trips?

Passo Dello Stelvio in Italy. Iconic and epic climb to about 2700m.

Swiss Classic Loop: Susten - Grimsel - Furka passes round trip. I think about 120km/3500m.

Sella Ronda in the Dolomites. Most intense and beautiful 50 to 60km in Europe.

What advice do you have for women to ensure they have a comfortable and optimal cycling setup?

If you do a bike fit with a trained professional, make sure it is somebody that you trust.

I have done one professional bike fit back in the day and had this as a base to work around and have adjusted small things myself. I feel I have good power output, and have no issues with my body (knees, feet, back etc.). So I will not try to “fix” anything more at the moment.

Thanks, Linda!

Follow Linda on Instagram here.