“Direct contact with the handlebars”

Annika Langvad is what you can call a “late bloomer” as an athlete. She had never competed at the elite level before moving to Copenhagen to study dentistry. But she had been physically active all her life and started competing in triathlons and adventure racing.

Soon, she discovered that it was in cross-country cycling where she was strongest and had the most fun. Today she is Denmark's best female mountain biker with a series of good results in international competitions, including the German Bundesliga. She rides for the successful Holte MTB Klub. “My goal is to go all the way to the top and have fun on the road there,” she says.

Light, protective and comfortable

Annika competes in the Olympic distance XCO, a rather short race of just under two hours. “At that distance the gloves don’t need so much padding, instead I prefer light, thin models that protect and fit well. They must breathe and provide a good grip in all situations - dust, mud or whatever it may be. I choose to always wear gloves with long fingers, even when it is warm, to protect my hands.” Another condition is that the gloves must reduce friction, to avoid blisters. And during the long, cold winter training sessions they must also keep your hands warm. “On winter rides, I choose gloves that are not as tight, for the sake of warmth. The lobster-model is perfect!”