"Perfect way to escape from the hectic Formula 1 world" - Valtteri Bottas 133rd in category at Gravel Worlds

When Valtteri Bottas takes on a race, the Fin is usually competing near the front at eye watering speeds in the world of Formula 1. This wasn't quite the case last weekend at the Gravel World Championships though.

Whilst Mathieu van der Poel was storming to a sensational victory, Bottas completed the course in 133rd of his category - amateurs from 35 to 39 years old. As mentioned, this is much further down the field than Bottas is used to, but nevertheless, the 10-time Grand Prix winner seemed to more than enjoy himself.

Speaking ahead of the race getting underway, Bottas was all smiles in conversation with NOS. "More nervous than before an F1 race, because I know it will last six hours," he laughed. "But that's why I'm here. I want to enjoy it to the max. This is the perfect way to escape from the hectic Formula 1 world for a while."

Whilst a Rainbow Jersey was never on the cards, for Bottas, just completing the course is another box checked on his list of sporting goals. “I want to finish. I want to enjoy the audience and I’m going to challenge myself. Then I’ll see where I end up,” he previewed beforehand.

As it turned out, 133rd in his category was where the 35-year-old ended up. With this not being his first foray into cycling either, it's possible this won't be the last we see of Bottas racing on two wheels.