After a season-opening season marked by a string of victories and strong performances, Morgan Aguirre has become one of the stars of the international gravel scene. An American based in Girona, Morgan, who had always shown great potential, has put all the pieces together to start racking up important victories. And once she achieved that, she hasn't stopped.
“Last year was about learning… and this year I think it’s now or never.”
— Congratulations on your start to the season. Since you started winning, you haven't stopped. How were you getting started? When did you decide to make the transition to gravel?
I never thought I'd be a professional gravel rider; I thought other people did that, but not me. I got into gravel almost by accident. I moved to Girona because my job allowed me to work wherever I wanted, and I liked riding, so I started doing a bit of gravel. I started in Ranxo when I was a UCI rider, and in 2023 I did two or three races to try things out. At the end of 2023, I connected with Enough Cycling, and it all started. With some results, I started thinking, "Can I be a professional?"
— We're about to experience one of the biggest events of the year: La Traka. Last year, there was a certain amount of disappointment. How are you approaching the race this year?
This year I hope there are no tears... maybe good tears. Traka and I have unfinished business; I've tried twice and haven't finished it. This year, as they say, third time's the charm.
—Do you have any rituals before each race?
Before every race, I jot down notes in a notebook. Above all, I like to have my time. Before every race, I need two hours to have coffee, breakfast, walk my dog... I don't like to rush.
— This year, the Traka 200 features a spectacular lineup with riders such as Sofía Gómez Villafañe and Annika Langvad Who would you say is your toughest opponent this Saturday?
Running with Sofía is like a dream. Think about when I started gravel racing… she was my main role model, and I'm really excited to run with her. Annika and I already experienced it in Santa Vall; she's a very, very good runner… she scares me a little (she explains with a smile and the utmost respect).
—We recently saw you visiting the Orbea factory in Mallabia. The connection seems to be getting closer. How do you feel about working directly with a factory?
Orbea takes care of me and supports me constantly. There's not a single question I ask that doesn't have an answer; they're truly good people. Testing new products and new technologies is incredible. I can't say much, but we're working together to announce new products at important races.
Orbea is at the forefront of technology and innovation. Knowing I have the support of a team and a brand like Orbea encourages me. I feel like I have the resources.
We also work with OQUO to develop their products. I have some new features for this race, and I'm very excited.
– Morgan will compete at The Traka with a new wheel, still under development, mounted with a prototype of a high-performance hub that is one of the lightest on the market, developed entirely by OQUO. –
— In less than a month, you'll be competing in Unbound, in the United States, your home country. Along with La Traka, they're perhaps the two most respected events on the calendar. What do you expect from that race?
Many people are excited about Unbound, but as someone who started racing here in Girona, for me La Traka is like the complete gravel race; it has everything: descents, climbs, flats. For me, it would be like winning at home.
—What do you think about American gravel?
Paradoxically, I'm American, but I don't know much about gravel racing in the US because my career began in Europe. This year I'm going to race more in the US, and I hope to race even more there next year. I'm also interested in the LifeTime Grand Prix.
— We know you live in Girona, and that you're even learning the language of the region. How did you decide to settle there? What is it about Girona that made you settle there?
I love Girona… Girona is very different from Seattle. I'm very comfortable with the cycling community here; it's very easy. I'm currently trying to learn Catalan. I have no plans to leave.