As such, we wanted to share some stories from passionate women cyclists about the unique and special ways that cycling weaves into the fabric of their everyday lives. Through the voices of four cyclists, we explore what the sport has meant to them this year and the anticipation it brings going into 2025!
Cycling as a lifeline and a way to explore new horizons — Tamasine, UK
For Tamasine Corney, cycling in 2024 has been a sanctuary amidst the turbulence of life’s challenges. At 49, she has faced a whirlwind of personal responsibilities, including supporting her mother after the loss of her father and navigating the complexities of perimenopause and cystic fibrosis. Through it all, her bike has been a steadfast companion, offering an escape from the weight of her responsibilities.
“Just knowing that I can swing my leg over a bike has kept me sane,” Tamasine reflects. Whether climbing hills or riding with friends, the mental clarity and physical well-being cycling provides have been a source of hope and resilience. “It frees up brain space and gives you temporary respite from what sometimes feels like an ocean of uncertainty,” she explains.
This year, Tamasine embarked on two new journeys. The first was purchasing her first gravel bike, which reignited the joy of learning to cycle. She discovered new skills and adventures, describing the experience as “unbridled joy.”
Her second standout moment was realizing a long-held dream of working as a cycling guide. Volunteering at a women’s training camp, she reveled in the camaraderie, challenges, and shared passion for the sport. She’s already been invited back for 2025.
And in terms of the year ahead? “I’m hoping that 2025 sees the women’s pro peloton striving for more equality and visibility and i want to see better representation and investment in the pro peloton from developing countries across Africa.” Cheers to that!
Conquering hills and embracing change — Louise, Cambridgeshire
For Louise, 2024 was the year she tackled her fear of hills. “I live in the flatlands of Cambridgeshire, where a 100km ride might have only 100m of elevation gain,” she says. “Hills were always daunting, but this year I set a goal to face them head-on.”
From soloing up Cairngorm’s base road in Scotland to conquering steep gravel inclines in Derbyshire, Louise pushed herself beyond her comfort zone. “Two weeks ago, I did back-to-back hill days around Ilkley and Otley,” she shares. “For me, it’s not about physical strength as much as mindset. Trying, even if it doesn’t work out, has been my biggest achievement of 2024.”
Looking ahead, Louise hopes for safer cycling conditions during her regular commutes. “Dodging potholes, school drop-offs, and tourists can make it tough,” she says. However, she’s optimistic about making the most of newly freed-up Fridays for cycling day trips. “I see weekend rides and new adventures ahead,” she says with enthusiasm.
A journey through memories and resilience — Jasmine, Lancashire
For Jasmine, cycling is a deep connection to both personal passion and cherished memories.
“These days, admittedly, I have a love-hate relationship with cycling,” she shares. “I love and always will love the sport, but it also reminds me of people close to me who have unfortunately passed. Without them, I wouldn’t be cycling today.”
Her standout achievement this year was completing a hilly 50-mile ride through the picturesque Pendle Hills in Lancashire with a close friend. The route’s historic connection to the Pendle Hill Witches added emotional significance. “Having our picture taken by a statue of one of the accused from that time period holds a dear memory for me,” she reflects.
Jasmine’s relationship with cycling also goes beyond physical challenges. This year, she embarked on a unique project: collaborating with a local custom builder to design a steel-frame bike tailored to her size and needs. “Rather than buying a new carbon aero bike, I wanted something that offered better value and was unique to me,” she explains. This choice reflects her belief that meaningful progress in the sport comes from training, nutrition, and rest rather than merely relying on the latest technology.
Jasmine’s passion extends to cycling’s storied history. From the tragic ascent of Tom Simpson on Mont Ventoux to the legacy of Campagnolo, she finds joy in geeking out over the sport’s heritage. “It’s incredible how intertwined cycling is with broader history and culture,” she notes.
Building community and celebrating women’s cycling — Julie, Girona
For Julie, cycling is the bridge that connects her to local and global communities. Living in Girona, Spain, she has found a home among the vibrant Girona Gravel Girls, a group of like-minded women cyclists. “Our shared love for riding has allowed me to break down barriers and truly feel part of the culture here,” she explains.
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Monthly social rides often intertwine cycling with Catalan traditions. “One October ride ended with a traditional backyard ‘Castanyada’ chestnut roast,” she recalls. “And during Christmas, we organized a charity bingo night to raise funds for providing bikes to women and girls in India.”
A standout moment for Julie this year was guiding a group of women who had raced the original Tour de France Féminin between 1984 and 1989. “We followed every stage of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, mixing riding the routes with cheering for racers,” she says. Witnessing the progress of women’s racing left her inspired. “Being part of this reunion was an experience I’ll never forget. It’s incredible how far women’s cycling has come.”
Julie’s hopes for the future include guiding more women cyclists and promoting conversations about women’s health in the sport. And her enthusiasm is contagious: “Next year I’m looking forward to guiding more women riders coming to experience the gorgeous roads in Mallorca or try the incredible gravel in Girona. I love inspiring women to try new things, step out of their comfort zone, and go home surprised and happy with all that they accomplished, as well as with some new lifelong friends made on bikes.
I’m looking forward to returning again to cheer on another exciting TdFF this summer. I’m also excited to see more and more conversations happening and information being made available through online communities and podcasts to empower women with all of the resources and info we need as we age and our hormones change during peri and post menopause. It’s an exciting time to be a woman cyclist!
And bikepacking!!! So many more adventures ahead!”
Shared hopes for the cycling community
While their journeys are distinct, Tamasine, Jasmine, Louise, and Julie share common hopes for the future of women’s cycling. From fostering safer roads to building inclusive communities, their reflections point to an ever brighter path ahead.
As Louise puts it, “Cycling is about trying, even if it doesn’t work out. It’s the effort and the journey that matter most.”
Here’s to another year of spinning wheels, breaking barriers, and celebrating every mile along the way. Happy 2025!
