Hi Irina! Could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your background in cycling?

Sure, I am a 37-year-old woman cyclist who has a family of four and a normal 9-5 fulltime job in IT. However, I have been cycling in the amateurs’ races locally since 2022 winning almost everything that could be won. I was in 2025 the Romanian Criterium Road Race Champion for licensed Females Amateurs. Since 2026 I am licensed as an Elite rider and managed to create a small local team as an official Romanian Sport Club called Netindava Cycling.

As a romanian rider, how would you describe the cycling scene in Romania today?

Cycling in Romania is growing every year substantially since the Romanian Cycling Federation is involved in many projects like UEC MTB Youth European Championships, Balkan Road Championships, UCI C2, C1, 2.1 and 2.2 Races and Events and of course L’Étape Romania by Tour de France that reached its 5th edition this year.

Do you feel the sport is inspiring more people to get on a bike?
The inspiration comes from the world tours and their main actors, like big teams and world renewed cyclists. Of course, we also had our local legends, but back then cycling was a completely different sport.
I try to inspire as many women as I can, to show them that you can have a normal life, family, kids, fulfilled with everything that makes you happy at home and at the same time you can compete at a high level in cycling. Let’s not forget the healthy lifestyle that cycling brings into your life and you can consider it a big advantage.

What does the Tour de France represent to you?

The Tour de France represents endurance, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. It is more than a cycling race; it is a journey testing the ability to keep moving forward through every challenge. The Tour de France Stage 21 in 2025 when Wout Van Aert won on the Champs Elysées leaving Tadej Pogacar in Montmartre.

Who is your favorite rider?

My favorite riders are Mathieu van der Poel and Puck Pieterse.

What kind of rider are you?

My coach says I am a puncheur after my power profile.

Are you ready to face 5400m elevation gain in July in L’Étape du Tour 2026? What would a successful L’Etape du Tour 2026 look like for you?

This is the biggest milestone that I have ever had to achieve. I am still not sure yet if I will conquer it or if it will conquer me. Yes, I am 80% ready now. I will be 95% ready in a month. And 99% at the start time. I would consider a successful L’Étape du Tour this year, if the weather will be kind to us and of course not have high risks or any type of accident.

What do you think about the route of L’Étape du Tour 2026 between Bourg d’Oisans and Alpe d’Huez?

I think it will be the most challenging ever for us and even for the pros it will be tough. But I think that this is what everyone needs to have a quick eye on any promising cyclists and as well to test the level of amateurs that is known to have risen since a few years ago.

Through which event did you qualify for the L’Étape Championship 2026? And how was that race?

I qualified last year in L'Étape Romania by Tour de France in Bucharest last August 2025. The race was tough but also enjoyable as that time I selected the correct speed being in front with the strong riders. This helped indeed.

Finally, when was your first L’Étape Series event? And why would you recommend participating in a L’Etape Series event?

My first L’Étape Series event was in 2024 in Bucharest Romania, when I won first place on my age category for The Ride route. I would recommend participating in L’Étape Series events since the races are organized flawlessly, and it makes you feel like you are on the grand stage of cycling along with the pros. It gives you happiness no matter what the result is. Also, you will be able to test yourself and your boundaries like no other local race.

Thank you Irina and see you in Alpe d'Huez!

Follow Irina's journey to L'Étape du Tour!

irina2605stoicaIrina Stoica