Interview with Michael Morkov, professional cyclist

Jul 23, 2024

Over the past two years, we’ve had the pleasure of connecting with Michael Mørkøv after noticing his kids on Frog bikes, they started with the Frog TDF Road 58 and the Frog Road 67 bike and most recently on the Frog MTB 62 and Frog MTB 69

@michaelmorkov

It’s been wonderful to see their enthusiasm and adventures, especially now that the youngest is riding his Frog Tadpole alongside his siblings. Watching them all cycle together has brought such joy, as each ride turns into a mini adventure filled with laughter and excitement.

Join us as we delve into his experiences, challenges, and the secrets behind his enduring success.

Track cycling

Mørkøv has a strong background in track cycling, where he has achieved significant success. He won the World Championships in Madison in 2009 and multiple European titles.
He represented Denmark in the Olympic Games, winning a silver medal in the team pursuit at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
His other notable achievements include multiple podium finishes at the World Championships and European Championships in various track cycling disciplines.

Road cycling

Mørkøv transitioned to road cycling, becoming known as one of the best lead-out men in the sport. He has been instrumental in many sprint victories for his teammates.
Teams:
- Mørkøv began his professional road cycling career with Team Saxo Bank in 2009.
- Later, he joined Team Katusha (2016-2017) and moved to Quick-Step Floors (later Deceuninck-QuickStep) in 2018, a team known for its strong sprinting and classics squad.

Recent Years

Mørkøv continues to be an essential part of the Soudal-QuickStep team, contributing to numerous victories and demonstrating remarkable consistency and tactical acumen.
Michael Mørkøv participated in the 2021 Tour de France, where he was pivotal in Mark Cavendish's return to form. Mørkøv's excellent lead-out work helped Cavendish win four stages, allowing him to equal the all-time record for stage wins held by Eddy Merck.

What age were you when you got on your first bike?

When I was 4 years old, I got my first bike, and by the age of 10, I received my first race bike, which was incredibly exciting.

What inspired you to begin cycling?

My father inspired me to begin my cycling journey. Later, I was inspired by the ‘Six-Days of Copenhagen’, a six-day track cycling race held annually in Copenhagen, Denmark. I was fascinated by the speed, the bikes and the competition on the track.

Growing up, who was your role model when you began your cycling career?

Rolf Sørensen, a renowned Danish professional road bike cyclist and Jimmi Madsen, also a prominent figure in Danish cycling, who specialised in track racing were my idols when I started to follow cycling. Together, their achievements have significantly contributed to Denmark's rich cycling heritage.

What do you love about cycling and how do you feel when you get on your bike?
I just love to ride my bike, and be in nature, feeling free travelling around in nature is a privilege.

What was your best highlight in your career?

Becoming the Olympic champion in Madison Tokyo 2020 and winning the gold medal for track cycling (partnered with Lasse Norman Hansen). The Madison race is a track cycling event where teams of two riders take turns racing and can score points during sprints that occur at regular intervals.

Cycling often involves overcoming various challenges. Can you discuss a specific challenge you faced during your career and how you successfully navigated it?

I have been cycling professionally for 16 years, following my time on the national track team. Leading up to the 2008 Olympic Games, I lost my father to cancer. During that challenging period, my determination and ambitions in cycling helped me stay focused.

What does teamwork mean to you?

Teamwork is caring for each other, knowing your teammates will watch out for you, as you do for them, and common respect.

Where is your favourite cycling destination?

My favourite cycling location is Lucca, Italy. Lucca is beautiful and the weather is pleasant. It's also a great location for cyclists due to its bike-friendly infrastructure, making it easier to navigate around the city and surrounding areas.

What are the top three tips you would like to advise younger kids who are considering a cycling career?

Enjoy riding your bike, enjoy the friendship that comes with it and most importantly, have fun! Your inspiration must come from your heart.