Evelyn Muñoz: “The most challenging part is always the first step.”

Thanks to its diverse landscapes and abundance of mountains, Chile is an ideal country for mountain biking (MTB). This is well known to Evelyn Muñoz, a multi-champion in the discipline and the protagonist of the web series Extremas.

Evelyn Muñoz began engaging in sports from a very young age. She began swimming, then switched to triathlon, and later took up skateboarding, which she had to quit due to an injury. That’s when she began cycling as a means of rehabilitation, starting a relationship that has now lasted for eleven years and has led her to win numerous titles.

Hailing from Santiago but with roots in Panguipulli, Evelyn Muñoz is a proud representative of the Mapuche peopleand has displayed the flag after winning various competitions. The protagonist of Extremas shares her experience climbing the Batea Mahuida Volcano and reflects on the relationship between nature and sports.

Extremas is Chile Travel’s new web series, featuring Chilean female athletes sharing their stories of effort following significant achievements in sports disciplines and how they connect with specific destinations and territories in Chile.

What can the audience expect from Extremas?

The audience of this web series can expect breathtaking landscapes, witnessing the determination of women who can travel the world if they want to, showing that they don’t need anyone else to achieve their goals, their objectives, and live their lives.

What was filming the episode like?

It went really well. The team was very welcoming, and we always supported each other because it’s not just about the person on screen, but also the team behind the scenes that has to follow your steps. And for someone who’s not used to the activity, it’s a bit more challenging, especially with the cameras.

How did it feel to climb the Batea Mahuida?

I had already been to Conguillío National Park, but I hadn’t climbed the Batea Mahuida so high before. The experience was beautiful.

We had snow that day, and it was quite challenging in some sections. The slope is quite steep, so it was tough at times. We slipped on the snow, especially the guys carrying heavy camera equipment.

It was quite difficult, even though we were well-equipped with appropriate shoes and everything, but we had a great time, enjoyed ourselves, laughed, and made it to the top just fine.

What was riding the bike in the snow like?

The bike slipped quite a bit. Controlling it is not easy because it’s like skiing, the bike slides, and you can’t control it. You have to let it go a bit in the direction the snow wants or towards a marked rut.

Can sports promote nature conservation?

Absolutely. Sports also significantly contribute to caring for the environment we’re traversing. Whether it’s cycling, running, climbing mountains, or engaging in water sports.

If someone is new to these sport activities and doesn’t take care of the environment, leaving their trash on the ground,someone with more experience can step in and say, ‘That’s not right,’ and that’s how they learn.

How do you think we can improve our connection with the environment?

The first step is to have direct contact with the environment on-site. When you get to know where you are and see the beauty of the place, then you understand and become aware that it needs to be cared for so that it can continue to be explored.

What advice would you give to those who want to try mountain biking?

Don’t be afraid, understand that it’s a long process, and respect it.

It’s not something that comes easy because it requires technique and physical ability. I’ve been cycling for 11, almost 12 years now, and believe me, I fell plenty of times in the beginning. The most challenging part is always the first step. It’s ‘daring to’. I would tell them to take it step by step and one day at a time. To go at their body’s own pace.