Marcela Prieto: Racing in Europe, including Paris, and representing Mexican women’s cycling
BMC sponsors the only women’s cycling team in Mexico, called the BMC-Patobike Cycling Team. One of the leading cyclists on this team is Marcela Prieto. The Mexican climber is one of the leading cyclists of her generation.
The BMC-Patobike Cycling Team races regularly in Europe. Recently, the team, riding BMC Teammachine SLR 01s, competed in the Volta Ciclista a Osona, a national race in Catalonia. Prieto finished second in the general classification and won two stages in the three-day race.
The 32-year-old is very happy with how the season has progressed so far. Halfway through the 2024 season, she reflects on her second year with BMC-Patobike: “This team has given me an amazing opportunity to compete in various countries, resulting in the best physical shape I’ve ever had and the best world ranking I have ever achieved.”
Prieto is racing for one of the first times on European soil, which is different from racing on the American continents where she has spent most of her career. “The level is high,” Prieto says. “It is fantastic to gain experience here and learn how positioning works.”
“It is very competitive in Europe,” the BMC Teammachine SLR01 rider continues. “I have been trying to collect UCI points over the last few months so I could have a chance to reach Paris. Only the best Mexican cyclist will go, as Mexico only has one spot to give. Luckily, I was able to collect enough points to be selected, partly because of my results in European races.”
The experiences she has gained in European races will be very helpful for the main goal of the season, Prieto thinks. “The peloton behaves differently on different continents, and I have to race intelligently to make it into the final in the city. With these experiences in my pocket, I hope to be strategically on point so I can attempt to get on the podium.”
The Mexican cyclist’s weapon of choice for the races in Europe is the Teammachine SLR 01 ONE, as it is “a very complete bike that is super comfortable on every kind of terrain.” Prieto says, “The course in Paris is demanding and technical, with climbs, downhills, and even cobbles. The Teammachine SLR 01 ONE is the best option for all of this.”
Her Teammachine is furthermore equipped with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 12V, Princeton CarbonWorks Peak 4550 wheels, and Michelin Power Road tyres. For Paris, Prieto will be running a 52/36 chainring with an 11/34 cassette on 170mm cranks.
