As one of the top gravel season openers, the Belgian Waffle Ride Arizona in March presented a formidable challenge. For professional cyclist [Athlete’s Name], however, the race marked an even greater personal milestone: she was secretly four months pregnant. Despite knowing she would be racing with a “stowaway,” she finished 9th in the elite women’s field. Only close family, friends, and brand partners were aware of the pregnancy at the time.
Initially, [Athlete’s Name] had planned to announce her pregnancy before the race. However, as race day approached, she realized that she was uncertain about how her body would respond to the intense physical demands. She decided to race without any external assurances and test her limits. After the event, her husband asked, “Did you prove to yourself you can do this?” Her smile said it all: “Yep.” The pregnancy was publicly announced the following day.
Racing while pregnant was a completely different experience for [Athlete’s Name], who has always embraced the thrill of speed and pushing her limits. Yet, from the moment the race began, an overwhelming maternal instinct took over. Any competitive drive was overshadowed by the need to protect the baby. The rational urge to ride faster through technical sections was replaced by the voice in her head saying, “Slow down, we can’t crash.”
By mile 50, when the heat began to take its toll on other competitors, [Athlete’s Name] found herself ready to push. She focused on staying hydrated, fueling properly, and utilizing her fitness over technical skill. With determination, she overtook the 11th and 10th place riders, eventually putting a seven-minute gap between herself and the competition over the last 25 miles. After over seven hours of racing, she crossed the finish line with pride, feeling accomplished and relieved. “We did it. Me and my orange-sized stowaway,” she said, ready for a non-alcoholic beer to celebrate.
The online response to the pregnancy announcement was overwhelmingly positive, with many congratulatory messages from fellow gravel racers and supporters. Still, [Athlete’s Name] acknowledged the inevitable critiques that may arise, particularly concerning her ability to maintain sponsor support while starting a family.
Despite initial concerns, she was relieved to receive strong support from all of her sponsors, including Shimano, Scott, Camelbak, CarbsFuel, Garmin, Zico Coconut, and Vittoria Tires. “I was lucky,” she said, expressing gratitude for the positive responses from her partners, who were excited for this new chapter.
The challenges of balancing motherhood and an athletic career are not new. Athletes like Allyson Felix have broken barriers, showing that family and athletic success can coexist. [Athlete’s Name] pointed to Chelsea Sodaro, who won the Ironman World Championships a year after having a baby, as another inspiring example. While professional gravel racing is still relatively new, [Athlete’s Name] hopes to pave the way for other women in the sport to successfully combine family life with professional competition.
Despite the uncertainty that comes with this uncharted path, [Athlete’s Name] remains determined to listen to her body, her doctor, and her instincts as she navigates the season ahead. She hopes to inspire other female athletes, especially gravel racers, to believe that they can have both a family and a professional career.
Safety is a primary concern, especially when racing in unpredictable environments where riders around you can pose a risk. [Athlete’s Name] plans to mitigate the danger by being more mindful of other riders’ limits and adjusting her own actions to minimize risk.
Above all, [Athlete’s Name] emphasized that this season would be guided by her own instincts and bodily cues. She’s not being reckless; instead, she’s prioritizing her health and well-being for both herself and her unborn child. “I have bigger goals now,” she explained. “Something else in my body is depending on me for survival.”
Looking ahead, [Athlete’s Name] plans to race through the middle of May, although she acknowledges that her definition of “racing” may take on new meaning. While she intends to compete in events like Sea Otter’s elite gravel race, Levi’s Gran Fondo, and Stetina’s Paydirt, some races—such as Unbound—may be off the table due to the increasing demands of pregnancy.
[Athlete’s Name] knows her journey is only just beginning, but she’s prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. “The path I’m following is definitely not yet paved, but fortunately, I’m used to gravel roads,” she said, embracing the journey both on and off the racecourse.
Related topics
- The Loss of My First Road Bike: A Special Memory
- Everesting Founder Shares Craziest Rides and Tips for Newcomers
- João Almeida Edges Vingegaard for Stage 4 Win at Paris-Nice