“Tota” Magalhães on AM850: “Brazil is the country of football but I want to make it a country of cycling”

Ana Vitória “Tota” Magalhães is a prominent Brazilian cyclistborn October 24, 2000, recognized in both road and track cycling. He currently competes for the Italian team Bepink-Bongioannialthough in 2025 she will join the Movistar Team, becoming the first Brazilian cyclist in the women’s lineup of this prestigious UCI WorldTour squad.

Her career has gained international relevance in events such as the Women’s Giro d’Italiawhere in 2024 he wore the Maglia Azzurra (mountain leader’s jersey) after an impressive breakaway of more than 100 km. In addition, he has won the Brazilian road cycling championship in 2023 and participated in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, establishing himself as one of Latin America’s great promises in professional cycling. AM850 Ciclismo spoke with her.

To the surprise of many, Her first love was soccer, like a good Brazilian, and in fact she played until she was 15 years old.. However, it was on a Christmas ride to Christ the Redeemer, with his family, where his passion for cycling was born. “It all started as a hobby, but over the years I realized that this is what I want to do professionally,” he explained. That decision led her to begin her training in Brazilian cycling, a challenging environment where most competitions are on circuits or criteriums, different from what is seen in Europe.

Although the jump to Europe was not easy, it was essential for his career. After competing in his first Pan American and seeing up close the level of cyclists on the continent“Tota” began to look for opportunities to cross the Atlantic and train there. In 2022 he managed to ride the Vuelta a España with the Spanish team Soltec, and then signed with Bizkaia-Durango in 2023, a team where he was not only able to develop as a cyclist, but also learn Spanish. “I didn’t know the language, but my classmates helped me a lot, and Spain conquered me with its culture,” she says. Today, in Italy, he continues to accumulate experience, and although he misses Brazil, he feels closer and closer to fulfilling his dreams.

When asked about her goals, “Tota” appears determined: “I dream of putting Brazil on the cycling map, to be known not only for football.”but also as a cycling country.” He wants to inspire other Brazilians and Latin Americans to become interested in the sport and pave the way for future generations to have more opportunities. On a personal level, his great goal is to win a stage in one of the greats. laps, such as the Giro or the Vuelta, and, of course, continue consolidating in European cycling, where the competitions are more demanding.

Regarding her signing for Movistar, one of the strongest teams in the women’s squad, “Tota” sees it as a unique opportunity to grow. Sharing a team with another Latin American, Paula Patiño, also gives her confidence, as it will allow her to adapt better to the structure and demands of the team. “Having a WorldTour team means having nutritionists, coaches and much more complete support. “I hope to give my best and contribute to their achievements,” he said.

Finally, “Tota” thanked the support she has received from Brazilian fans, something that took her by surprise. “I didn’t expect so much affection. Cycling is small in Brazil, but the country is so big that there is always someone supporting me.”. This support drives her to give her all in every competition and to represent her country with pride. When he puts on the Brazil jersey at international events, he feels a special emotion, “as if all of Brazil were there with me.”