Ankara – August 24
Azerbaijan’s cycling scene reached a new milestone when Natalia Vallek, member of the Young Professional Cyclists Association, claimed absolute victory at the prestigious GranFondo Başkent in Turkey. The story was first reported by Media.az.
Vallek is no ordinary athlete. A former MMA fighter with black belts in kickboxing and taekwondo, and an ultramarathon runner who once conquered the 120 km Ephesus Ultra, she has reinvented herself as a powerhouse on two wheels.
“I’m still in shock — I was racing alongside real professionals, champions,” she told Media.az, adding that the win was a joint triumph with her coach, 15-time Azerbaijani road cycling champion Musa Mikailzade.
Her victory came after a daring tactical move on a dangerous descent. Chasing an experienced Turkish rider, Vallek seized a split-second opening. “Musa shouted, ‘Now!’ I took the risk, passed her on the turn — and that was the breakthrough,” she said. From there, she pushed ahead and crossed the line uncontested.
Beyond cycling, Vallek’s sporting career spans decades and disciplines — from mixed martial arts to marathons and triathlon events. She says her philosophy is simple: never fear, never stop. Today, she inspires younger athletes, especially women, to embrace endurance sports.
“Don’t be afraid — get on the bike, start running. With the right training, everything is possible,” she told Media.az.
