Keep Fighting. Period.
Everything was falling apart.
I got off my bike and it was dead quiet. I had just finished the individual time trial at the Giro Rosa and, I knew it wasn’t my best day, but was it really that bad? Being met with silence from my team affirmed my worst fears. I had finished three minutes off the pace, out of the top ten, and it was a really hard pill to swallow. At the biggest stage race of the season, as my teammates sacrificed themselves for me, I just couldn’t deliver. I rode back to the team bus, taking that silence with me.
Image: Jojo Harper
I started to spiral. I’ve had tons of bad races but this felt like more. My period had arrived early, leaving me feeling completely flat and in pain. I had strange and severe stomach pain that was keeping me up at night. Even my skin was sensitive to touch. I couldn’t eat and I didn’t want to. I knew it wasn’t true but it felt like everyone else was having a perfect race while mine was a disaster. Nothing was going right this season, it was just obstacle after set back after bad luck, and now, as I slid down the GC from 3rd to 9th, I felt completely disheartened.
Of course, all of this was also happening in front of an audience. My teammates, the peloton, friends, family, and fans were all seeing me struggle and so the messages started. What was happening and why, I still wasn’t sure, but the support messages were clear: I had to find a way to keep fighting.
I made it through the next two stages, getting dropped, clawing back, and fighting for every single pedal stroke. Every time an attack went or the pace surged, I couldn’t draw on my physical abilities like I was used to. I had to really dig deep into my experience to keep it together. My mum called to remind me how I had overcome an eating disorder, a serious head injury and a hip fracture. My husband, who was thankfully there by my side, kept reminding me what I was normally capable of and what we had accomplished, although, really, just his presence was a source of strength. My team was incredibly supportive, fully understanding how much impact your period can have on performance, let alone stomach issues. My phone was also constantly beeping with encouragement from fans through messages on social media. I didn’t have the physical power but I was constantly reminded that I did have the strength.
Image: Sean Hardy
By Stage 9, the Queen Stage, the team doctor had helped get my stomach under control and I was over the worst of my period. I started to feel like myself again and Montasio, the big mountain top finish, was my chance to prove it. It was against the odds and the top riders in the world but, finally, my guts were saying let’s go for it.
The stage played out exactly as predicted. We hit Montasio and Annemiek van Vleuten attacked. All the favourites respond and—hallelujah—so did my legs. Anna van der Breggen, Lucinda Brand, Amanda Spratt and I chased hard. As we caught Annemiek, the pace was…you can’t even believe! I knew it was impossible to keep that power going without blowing up and, after Lucinda dropped off, so did I. Moments later, Amanda did too. While Annemiek and Anna powered on, I set my sights on chasing down Amanda.
I bridged to her strong and steady and as we hit the steep part together, I tried my best to get rid of her. I couldn’t shake her so when we hit the flat section, I slammed my gears into the big blade and punched the speed. I escaped from Amanda, crossed the line for 3rd on the stage, 4th in the GC, and I had never felt so relieved.
I received lots of messages after Stage 9. The messages that recognized my low along with my stage podium were the ones that stayed with me. The people who noticed me struggle, saw me fight, and how I turned it around from such a low place, had seen something that felt vulnerable to me. The exposure of my difficulties had demonstrated, even to myself, a strength that went beyond watts and bikes.
Image: Anton Vos
We all go into big races as prepared as possible but reality constantly shows us that races, seasons, and life never go to plan. The lesson, however, isn’t that life is unpredictable but that we can be resilient and rise above whatever challenges come our way. I’ve learned that lesson over and over again but, still, I keep learning it because as we rise, the difficulty of our challenges rise with us. It never gets easier but our capacity to handle what we once thought impossible is unfailing if we have faith in our fighting spirit.
Join Ashleigh at the Harvest Tour
The Harvest Tour
Our first olive harvest last year was, well, our first: complete novice farmers with no olive picking experience who realized pretty quickly that our olive trees make a ton of olives—almost literally. In the beginning we called on a few close friends to come help us out but, as word got around town, more and more people asked us if they could come pick olives too. Soon, people were riding over to spend an hour or so in the orchard, others driving up to spend the day in the trees.
Surrounded by wonderful old olive trees and friends, what seemed like a daunting task turned out to be fun that was actually short-lived. When all the olives were picked and pressed into wonderful olive oil, the fun began again as we gave each pair of helping hands a piece of the harvest. We still get messages and pictures of fond memories and wonderful meals made with Can Campolier olive oil.
With such a successful first harvest, this year we’re officially opening the orchard with the Harvest Tour. Spend the morning with us on bikes and then return to the estate in the afternoon for an orchard lunch and olive picking. Enjoy the roads, the olive trees, and take home delicious hand-picked, cold-pressed olive oil.
Join us for the Harvest Tour
Explore Catalonia
You can't ride all day every day and even if you could, you'd be missing all that Girona has to offer. Whether you're coming with your family, a non-cycling partner, or you're looking to add some local adventures, take the time to explore all that Catalonia has to offer. Read our guide to get inspired!
Close By:
Just on our doorstep is beautiful Lake Banyoles. Explore the 6km walking path, the weekend local artisan market, have a lakeside picnic, or enjoy drinks over the water at the best located cafe in town.
In our mind, however, the lake is nice to look at but better to swim in. The highly protected lake means the water is crystal clear. There are only 3 points of access to the lake for swimming. If you’re interested in distance swimming, you can enter through Club Natacio Banyoles to use their 500m buoyed swim line with change rooms, showers, and access to the rest of their facilities, including lounging space on the grass beneath the trees. If you’re more inclined just to cool off or let the kids play, further down the lake past the club there is a swimming point off the treed walking path. There are ladders from the banked grass into the water and a grassy, sun soaked area to enjoy a picnic with stunning views of the lake. The third way is through Banys Vells Cafe. During the summer months, the cafe has a swim area only accessible through the cafe. Enjoy lunch or a drink and take a dip. All three areas are lifeguarded during the summer months.
You might have conquered the climb by bike but the real “Rocacorba” is the sanctuary, located to the side of the main road toward the summit. Originally dating back to 1130, the remains of the castle can still be seen. The structure was rebuilt in 1428 after an earthquake but then fell into decline after the family fled during the 15th century peasant rebellion. The current sanctuary, constructed in the 18th century, was built on top of the previous church. You’ll also enjoy stunning views of the Pyrenees and the coast line.
With views of Lake Banyoles and the rolling foothills toward the Pyrenees, climb up the two viewing decks of Puig Clara. Only 3km from the lake, the trail can be steep in places but is well marked and the views are worth it.
In the City:
Medieval Girona has so much to offer in such a small area. From the Cathedral and Arab baths to the Jewish museum and the many culinary opportunities, explore the ancient walls and cobbles streets along the River Onyar.
There are architectural delights throughout the city and if you’re curious about the riverside homes, the Casa Masó, is one of the only ones open to the public. Designed by architect Rafael Masó (1880-1935), the house is set up how it would have looked when Masó lived there.
The most obvious and prominent attraction of Girona is the Catedral de Santa María de Girona but don’t miss the numerous other historical sites including the Benedictine monestry of Sant Pere de Galligants, the Arab baths, or Girona’s original cathedral, Basilica de Sant Feliu. Of course, if you feel like you’ve seen something before, it may have been a Game of Thrones filming location!
If you’re more inclined to just walk around and soak up the vibe, start in the Jewish quarter. The maze of cobbled alleys and stone staircases date back to the 12th and 15th centuries and will no doubt reveal some interesting places. Take a walk along the stoned wall at the back of the old town for great views of the city and cross the river on as many different pedestrian bridges as you can, including the famous Eiffel bridge (yes, the same designer of the Eiffel tower).
There are plenty of amazing restaurants with cuisines ranging from local Catalan to vegan and everything in between. For the cyclist, see and be seen at the cycling cafes including Espresso Mafia or La Fabrica; grab a meal at Federal or Rocacorba Cafe; or take a seat in the Plaça de la Independència and people watch with a local beer.
For the Foodie:
El Celler de Can Roca and Rocambolesc Gelateria, Girona
If you’re a foodie with the ability to make a reservation almost a year in advance, Girona is home to the legendary Michelin starred El Celler de Can Roca. Experience avante-garde cuisine from Joan and Josep Roca. Don’t have a reservation? Take a walk in the old town of Girona for gelato from the same chef at Rocambolesc. With quirky-shaped popsicles and smooth, tantalizing ice creams and sorbets, you might just do a second loop around the old town to justify another helping.
Ca l’Arpa
Enjoy the areas most outstanding products in dishes created by Pere Arpa. Ca l’Arpa is located nearby in Banyoles where you can enjoy exquisite dishes in the spirit of the good old family-run inns.
Pont Vell
Locations don’t come better than Pont Vell. Enjoy a meal overlooking the 11th century Romanesque bridge in Besalu. The stunning view is only rivalled by the food which is prepared by chef Robert Mora who has worked in some of the world’s best restaurants, including El Cellar de Can Roca.
Places to See:
Santuari de la Mare de Déu del Mont: With a 360 degree view including Pyrenean peaks, Girona, Banyoles, and the coast on a clear day, it’s worth the drive up the narrow mountain road. Explore the church at the top and linger in the view by grabbing lunch at the summit restaurant.
Ruta del 7 Gorgs, Campdevànol: The “Route of 7 Gorges” is a 7.5km family friendly hike that starts in Campdevànol. You can easily spend the day meandering in the forest and following the route that will take you to seven different waterfalls where you can take a dip or even jump in at some spots.
Costa Brava: There are countless amazing beaches along the Costa Brava from Tossa de Mar to L´Escala, just take your pick. The beaches around the town of L’Escala offer a variety of different bathing options where you can enjoy the deep, clear turquoise water.
Towns to Visit:
Besalu: The impressive stone bridge into the historical stoned village is something special to walk across. Wander around the cobbled streets and enjoy a bite to eat with views of the bridge.
Castelfollit de la Roca: The incredible village perched on the cliff is an impressive sight. Wander inside and you’ll forget the sheer drop is so close. Grab an ale, stout, or fruit beer at Poch’s microbrewery or book a hot air balloon for views of the volcanic nature reserve, La Garrotxa.
Figueres: Home of Salvador Dalí, explore the Dalí Museum or, if you’re visiting in August, enjoy the outdoor acoustic music festival.
Cadaquès: There is no better place to enjoy a seafood paella than in this stunning coastal town that inspired both Picasso and Dalî. With access to the natural park of Cap de Creus enjoy the beauty of the wild Costa Brava coastline as well.
Returning as Cyclists
It was a pleasure to welcome Anastasia and Kirill back to Rocacorba Cycling. They first stayed with us back in August 2018 and recently they returned, but it wasn’t the Anastasia and Kirill we had initially met.
Last year our guests from Moscow, Russia arrived as pure holiday-makers. They had found us on AirBnB and used us as a base to explore the Girona area and experience Catalonia. They stayed in the apartment of the grand old house Can Campolier and were quite taken with the property, the building, drinks on the balcony, views from the tower and, of course, Mila. They explored Besalu, old town Girona, the Costa Brava, and then they discovered something they weren’t expecting on their Spanish holiday: cycling.
Anastasia and Kirill were not cyclists at all but when you stay with us, it’s hard to miss that we are a cycling destination. Other guests were in and out with hire bikes and their curiosity was sparked. We introduced them to cycling, showed them our Cervelo R3s and what made them a road bike versus the 3T Exploro gravel bikes. We told them about the great routes and things they could see and experience while cycling Girona and the surrounding area. It didn’t take long before they gave into their curiosity, first going for a spin around Lake Banyoles on the town bikes and then venturing out on the 3T Exploros to explore the La Garrotxa area, and that was just the beginning.
Fast forward to April 2019 and when they returned, they were not just holiday-makers anymore. They told us since their first visit their lives had changed. They had bought bikes, proper kit, GoPros, joined Strava… Anastasia and Kirill had come back as proper cyclists. Not only did they enjoy a few days of gravel riding on the 3T Exploros again, but they also ventured out on the Cervelo R3s, some rides even nudging up to 100km! We helped them plan out the best routes over all four days and by the end of the week they had conquered the iconic Rocacorba, ridden the Costa Brava, and experienced Catalonia in a whole new way.
It was a whole new experience off the bike too. Although they were keen to return to the same apartment they had stayed in before, we were excited to have them as our first guests in the newly renovated masia, Cal Germa. While the familiar charm of the property and cuteness of Mila remained the same, they were taken with the comfortable modern rooms and garden backyard of Germa. The combination of privacy and spaciousness, modern and historic, gives the house a really special feeling. It’s the perfect place to relax, recover, and enjoy the surrounding nature and views of the mountain especially, they told us, after a long ride.
Anastasia and Kirill may have been returning guests, but nothing was repeated. Their transformation was nothing short of incredible and we’re absolutely delighted to be a part of their story. If their return visit and riding adventures aren’t convincing enough, Kirill also told us he already wanted a new, better, faster bike: a Cervelo R3. We have a feeling they will be back soon and that they will be taking more than good memories home! Don’t worry Kirill, we’ve got an R3 waiting for you!
The Rocacorba Cycling Jersey… all the way in Moscow.
Peaks and Perks
California knows how to party. It was the queen stage of the Tour of California which meant it was all uphill for the final 45km with an amazing summit finish on Mt. Baldy. It also meant there was a cookie corner on one of the switchbacks—literally a corner on the race course where very enthusiastic fans were handing out chocolate chip cookies! Racing in the USA definitely has its perks.
Image: Jeff Clark
I knew the second stage was going to be the stage for me. The first stage had been nervous with strong winds and, to be honest, I was feeling a little flat having just come off some altitude and the set-back of my crash at Amstel. The impact on my sacrum was worse than just a hard landing and the doctor had recommended a few weeks off the bike. Not ideal but the Tour of California, a new race for me, was the perfect place for a new beginning and the start of my summer racing.
We hit the bottom of Mt. Baldy and Katie Hall was the first to accelerate. I wasn’t going to jump. My gut told me the best thing to do was to stick to my own hard tempo. More attacks came from Kasia and Anna, me following in tow, as the bunch was left behind and the break was eventually caught. Anna eventually joined her teammate Katie while Kasia slid back, leaving me on my own.
Image: Jeff Clark
“Steady, stick to your tempo,” I reaffirmed to myself. I was clawing Anna and Katie in, getting the gap down to 14 seconds, but as the gradient at the top backed off, I could only focus on maintaining my position. I crossed the line finishing in third place on the stage and moving up to third on the general classification. Since I had almost cancelled my trip to the USA, I was beyond happy: happy with my race strategy, happy with my physical performance, happy to have a podium, and happy that I managed to grab a chocolate chip cookie from the cookie corner on the way back down the mountain. It was a great day.
The final stage was really aggressive with a really exciting performance from Paulina. I wish there was television coverage so people could have watched how she lit up the race and almost stole the entire show had it not been for the long downhill to the finish. Still, thanks to her efforts, I managed to finish in the small bunch to hold my third overall and get CCC-Liv on the final podium.
Image: Jeff Clark
When I returned to the team car after prize giving, as if finishing on the podium wasn’t enough, I discovered some fan had made me brownies. I mentioned at the Mt. Baldy prize giving that I loved chocolate brownies and I couldn’t believe someone had taken the time and care to deliver brownies to the team. I couldn’t help but smile from ear to ear. The enthusiasm and hospitality of the USA was exactly what I needed. I was leaving the Tour of California with a renewed sense of confidence in my performance, a fresh excitement for the rest of the season, and the desire to come back and race in California next year. Then again, maybe it was just the brownie talking. Yep, they were that good!
Our All New Fleet
The new bike hire fleet has been in action for a few weeks at Rocacorba Cycling. The beautiful, fast, and brand new 2019 Cervelo R3 complimented with the versatile, alluring, and just downright fun 3T Exploro means we have bikes to cover all means of cycling adventures in Girona.
If you’ve always chosen to travel with your bike you’re really missing out on the opportunity of hiring a bike. Cyclists who travel with their bikes know all too well what a hassle it can be and, even worse, how expensive it can be when you have to replace damaged equipment on holiday. When you hire a bike, you don’t have to stress about packing, building, lugging around a bike bag, excess baggage fees, or surprise damage. Still, there’s something about having your own bike with you—we get it! You have your set-up dialled in, you’re comfortable, and, well, it’s your bike! But can you really say no to a beauty like the Cervelo R3?
Bike hire is a great chance to ride and experience a different bike, try out new equipment, and let’s not forget the amazing convenience of stress free travel while your loyal steed stays safely at home. You don’t have to worry about bringing tools, setting the bike up, or maintaining it; you get the absolute pleasure of riding a top-end bike. We take care of everything so you can just ride and enjoy.
Before your arrival, we will be in touch to get your measurements so your bike is set up specifically for you. Don’t know your measurements? We can help you figure them out or book a bike fit upon arrival. Whether you need a 80mm stem or you’ve never measured your saddle height before, we can ensure you a perfect, stress-free set-up.
All of our rental bikes are the latest 2019 frames with the newest technology. Haven’t tried disc brakes yet? Been on the same soft carbon frames for years? Never been on gravel? Enjoy the excitement, responsiveness, and speed of something new with high-level components. Whether you’re renting a Cervelo R3 or a 3T Exploro (or both as many of our guests like to do), when you arrive, our in-house mechanic will have your bike set up to your exact measurements and ready to go. Along with your pedals, you’re encouraged to bring your own saddle that we will install for maximum comfort. Our mechanic is also bike fitter so any changes can be done on the spot to ensure you’re comfortable and ready to perform.
There’s been more than a few holiday romances that have turned into something long-lasting after a week of riding around Girona and the Costa Brava. If you fall in love with the nimble, light Cervelo R3 or you can’t let go of how the world opened up on a 3T Exploro, we’re not in the business of breaking hearts. We can always have a new one delivered right to your door.
Rent a bike when you stay with us and explore all Girona has to offer.
What's The Big Deal?
It felt here nor there to me, I thought, deciding whether or not to go the USA. I wasn't sure whether I would race the Tour of California but, if I did, I would spend a week in Boulder first for some altitude and solid training. I was still recovering from my crash at Amstel Gold Race. What seemed like an insignificant pavement slam had done some damage in my lower back and things were not quite perfect yet. I was ready to train but was I ready to race? Was all the travel worth it? What was the big deal about Boulder anyway?
Even though the weather forecast looked awful, some coaxing from a locally placed friend was enough to sway the vote and I was off to Colorado. Arriving in Denver, I was less than impressed with the flat terrain. Where were the mountains?
With jet lag brain, I stared out the window but then it started. The horizon grew into a jagged silhouette and with it my excitement. I saw the Flatirons, massive rocks in the shape of clothing irons, and the landscape grew evermore impressive the closer we came to Boulder. By the time we got to our accommodation, jet lag had been overruled by excitement.
The next morning felt like Christmas. With so many new roads high up, places to see, and bad weather coming later in the week, the blue-sky day was the perfect opportunity to get in a massive ride. The route was called Peak-to-Peak, a famous local loop of 120km with 3,000m of climbing.
The Rocky Mountain terrain was different from the European mountains I knew. The roads were straighter and, without the signal of a switchback, deceptively steep. Instead of going up and down mountains, it was more riding up canyons and staying along the top. Riding up at 2500-3000m for so long was a new experience. The entire day was spent in the saddle and it was one of those fulfilling memorable rides that left me tired, excited, and motivated. I’ve never fallen out of love with cycling but this felt like it was happening all over again.
The predicted bad weather arrived and sat over Boulder for the next few days. I wasn’t bothered by a snow day after such a big first day and it was good to have some easier inside rides to adjust to the altitude. By the time the clouds and snow cleared, I was ready to enjoy the sun and mountains again. I was also ready for the Tour of California. I felt so energized, motivated, and simply happy after only a few days of riding.
So, I got it: Boulder was pretty special. There was a reason why it was so famous, why so many athletes lived there, and why it attracted so many more to come and visit.
The last time I had felt such a jolt of energy was the first time I rode in Banyoles and I ended up moving there. I’m still in love with the Girona area so I definitely won’t be moving to Boulder, but it reminded me about how special that feeling was.
The pure joy of riding a bike that every cyclist has felt before. It’s the feeling we are always chasing and remembering; it’s the feeling I want to share with others when they come stay with us at Rocacorba Cycling; it was the feeling that made Boulder a pretty big deal.
I’ll never forget it and I’ll definitely be back.
The Next Chapter
You can just imagine the family working where we’ve started to dig out the new pool. Originally the vegetable garden, you can still see the built-in benches in the remains of the stone walls where they would rest. We’re definitely keeping those benches.
The position of the pool moved several times during planning and was discussed at length over months, as are all the renovation plans; but, ultimately, the house always reveals what is best and we’ve learned to trust that. There is always an initial idea of what we want but when you live on a property like this one, you get to know it. All the quirks, how it functions and how people flow through the spaces, the scars of wear and tear, the layers of modernization—it isn’t a blank slate. Respecting what is here always presents challenges but working with what we have allows us to refurbish and reinvent instead of replace and erase.
For the recent updates to the Germa building, we especially wanted to reinstate the doors opening onto the courtyard. The action is always in the courtyard and it’s probably been that way since the house was built. We wanted to re-establish that connection, not just for the building, but so our guests can feel that connection too. It’s easy to think of Can Campolier as historical, and it is, but it’s also still a functioning property so it’s not just about highlighting what it used to be, it’s also about showcasing what it still is.
There is so much history on this land and, as we modernise and bring the Rocacorba Cycling vision to life, there is a hope that this will become another chapter in the long story of Can Campolier. The truth is the house has 300 years of history before us and hopefully, with our help, 300 years of history after us. It’s a significant part of our lives but we are merely custodians of Can Campolier, hoping to leave it better for the future.
The Sting Of Bad Luck
Flanders is one of those races where it still means something if you finish. The tiniest country roads, the unforgiving rough and stupidly steep cobbles, the blood sport fight to position yourself before the climbs, and don’t forget the weather if Mother Nature decides to show up. Actually, it’s one of those races where it still means something if you start and CCC-Liv started perfectly.
No doubt it was the best race we had done as a team. For the first 115 kilometres we had this amazing rhythm, operating like a well-oiled machine and then some. We were riding together, positioned well, Marianne felt amazing and so did I. To have everyone come together like that, it was just another level. We had the goods to pull off a win, we just needed the luck.
The final 30 kilometres is where the big bets are made. I knew we had the fire power to execute the final strategy but as we got together on the Kanarieberg (climb #6) someone switched my wheel. Somehow I didn’t crash and, after a quick foot down, I started to chase back. I wasn’t too far behind but there also wasn’t a lot of time before the next climb, the cobbled Taaienberg (climb #7), where the pressure would continue.
I didn’t have a choice: I had to go all in to catch the peloton or it was race over. I didn’t even have to think about making a decision, my legs were already powering across the gap and up the Kanarieberg.
Image: Jojo Harper
Now, I know Belgian roads. I’ve raced in Belgium for many years. I know the cobbles, the narrow roads, the road furniture, and the wide crack right down the centre of their concrete roads. I’m always aware of that crack. I know it’s there but as if two hands reached up and grabbed my wheels, out of nowhere my bike instantly came to a complete stop. My wheels were both perfectly stuck in that centre crack. Like walking into a glass door, it caught me so off guard I only realized what had happened after I hit the ground, slid across the road into the ditch, and came to a stop in stinging nettles.
Grazed and confused, I got up and back to my bike. The drivetrain was all messed up. I definitely needed a new bike but, after the big splits on the Kanarieberg, the team cars were too far behind. Everything had happened so fast that I could actually still see the bunch ahead. It didn’t matter what I had, I needed to go all in again if I was to get back.
Image: Oliver Grenaa
My body was stinging all over from nettles and road rash but my muscles were working. I got back up to speed and as I clicked into an easier gear as I hit the bottom of the Taaienberg, my derailleur went into my back wheel and fell off! “Ok, that’s it,” I thought with a sigh. With the odds so stacked against me, it was smarter to save my legs for the next race.
Up at the front Marriane wasn’t faring much better with a poorly timed puncture. I couldn’t help but feel disappointed; it really wasn’t our day. You can have the best legs and the best team on the day but to win a bike race you always need some luck or, at least, no bad luck. Still, we had finished one of the toughest Spring Classics and the magic of the first 115 kilometres made me believe at the next race our luck would change.
Discover more about Ashleigh’s home Rocacorba Cycling
Speaking About Binda
“Goooo!” Marianne shouted from across the bunch but I was already out of the saddle to cover the attack. It was the technical last 5km of Trofeo Alfredo Binda and our group of 8 off the front only had a 15 second gap. Marianne and I seemed to have an easy unspoken way of communicating what needed to be done but now the moment was too important for her to hold it in.
I could feel the heavy burn of fatigue in my legs from my last attack but I had to cover this move. I shut down the Be Pink rider with 1.6km to go but that was the easy part. I couldn’t allow another move to go or let the chase group catch us so, by any means necessary, I had to keep the pace high. With the chase group only seconds behind us, the last kilometre demanded every single watt I had.
I had my head down but as we turned the final corner I looked up to see the finish line and launched into a leadout. Marianne passed my shoulder first, followed by the rest of the breakaway riders contesting the sprint, and then I saw Marianne’s hands fly into the air. We had won! Convincingly. Perfectly. Together.
Marianne didn’t have to say anything. I had just done my job. I had followed the team strategy and done my best but she showered me in gratitude. Endless thank-yous, hugs, smiles, and it was not only uplifting and motivating but powerful for her to say what didn’t need to be said. I could feel the bond between Marianne and I grow stronger.
Image: Anton Vos
Our winning display of teamwork had also captured some outside attention. Since Trofeo Alfredo Binda was broadcast on television, the response from fans after seeing such a strong and successful show of teamwork meant the story of our win had been shared. A simple results sheet doesn’t tell how we were down a rider from illness, how Riejanne and Jeanne kept Marianne and I fresh for the final laps, or how I had to bury myself to get Marianne to the final sprint. People were saying how “exciting” the racing was, how “professional” and “skilled” we were as a team. Seeing the race meant that people had shared the experience, they knew the story of teamwork behind the win.
Hearing such great positive feedback from both the team and fans filled me with excitement and motivation. When our stories are told and shared it has the power to create a positive ripple effect that reaches all corners of women’s cycling—from showing other riders the value of teamwork to demonstrating the power and need of television coverage to race organizers and fans. CCC-Liv will go on winning, women’s cycling will continue to develop, but, as our win in Binda showed me, there is value in speaking what is usually left unspoken.
So, to everyone in the world of women’s cycling, speak up. Let people know you want to see the races on television; reach out to the teams and riders and let them know you’re supporting them; if you see good racing tell people about it; and, at the very least, encourage other women to ride bikes.