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Landscape of a road with hairpin bends down a mountainside

From Richmond Park to the Reine

What began as lockdown loops around Wimbledon streets has led one LC__CC ambassador to the mountains of Switzerland. Ahead of taking on La Reine, a 140km, all-women's closed-road sportive in Gstaad. She shares her unorthodox route into cycling, the importance of community, and what it means to train, ride, and grow alongside other women in the sport. From humble beginnings on an old mountain bike to completing L’Étape du Tour, her story is a reminder of just how far determination and the right support can take you.

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Tell us about your somewhat unconventional route into cycling

I grew up watching the grand tours, marvelling at the fitness and mental resilience needed to ride a bike competitively but never thinking I’d ever end up on a road bike myself. When the pandemic hit, I needed to keep the kids entertained and active, so I pumped up the tyres on an old Carrera mountain bike I found in the shed and hopped on. Slowly but surely, I got stronger and fitter, so I pushed myself to ride more challenging routes. I created circuits in and around the ‘bergs of Wimbledon, spurred on by the quiet, lockdown roads. Each week, I added another hill to my repertoire so that, by the summer, I was able to tack from Copse Hill over to Wimbledon Hill, riding up and down alternate hills. When Richmond Park opened up to cyclists, I upgraded the old mountain bike to a Trek FX4 Sport hybrid, still refusing to believe I was good enough to try a road bike but so keen to get better. 2,500 miles cycled around the park in both directions by December convinced me that maybe I was ready to clip into the cleats and take the plunge with a Cannondale Synapse. And the 70lb weight loss that came with those miles meant I was a bit more agile on my new set up! I started to notice the KWCC team kit on my rides and, after reading in a cycling magazine that joining a club would help me improve more, I got in touch! I haven’t looked back!

Collage of images of key moments on Jo's journey

What is it about cycling you enjoy so much

There is a freedom that comes with cycling that is irresistible, if it's your kind of movement. And once you realise it's for you, it's addictive. Even in the winter, when my club mates start retreating to their indoor setups, I'm still out on my bike if the weather allows. Before COVID, I didn't really consider my mental health. Like many other people, I just figured I was 'fine'. That period tested us all and prompted us to find better ways of coping with stress and uncertainty. I found refuge on my bike!

Why is being part of KWCC, and the LC__CC so important to you

When I started cycling, I didn't have anyone in my life who knew anything about bikes. And I knew even less! When I got my first road bike, I had to google 'how to change gears on a road bike' because I was too unknowing to ask them in the shop!!! So I knew I had a lot to learn. And as I was becoming more and more addicted, it was a point of frustration for me that I had no one to talk to about disc brakes and power metres. I knew I needed to find my people and I found them at KWCC. I became a member of LC_CC for a similar reason - to connect with people who love cycling as much as I do. I've had some wonderful experiences on LC_CC member rides, meeting some really strong riders who I have learned heaps from. When you start at the lowest base of knowledge, ability and experience, as I did, it's imperative to make strong connections and build your own support system in your local cycling community. Clubs and communities like KWCC and LC_CC have had a massive impact on my upskilling and confidence as a cyclist. 

What advice would you give women in particular about getting into cycling

Don't overthink it. Just commit to getting on your bike and cycling to the end of the road. Any further is a bonus. Be prepared to build your ability. Believe me, that is the best part.


When I started, one lap of Richmond Park was a HUGE achievement. Now I cycle from London to Brighton and back to London regularly in the summer. It's taken me time and commitment to get there, but the journey to this point has been amazing. And don't feel like you have to have all the kit! You just need a bike that is in good working order - you'll figure everything else out on the way. I buy my kit out of season - long bib tights in the summer sales and visa versa for bib shorts. Sensible shopping and not feeling like you have to have all the gear is a smart approach. But when you want to treat yourself, buy good quality kit. My first 'new' bibs were Le Col. I still have them! And finally, join a club. Do not be put off by the idea of clubs being overrun by ego-mad MAMILS. They really aren't. In my experience I've found them to be positive, inclusive, thriving communities where people want to support each other on and off their bikes.

Collage of images of key moments on Jo's journey

Tell us about your upcoming challenge

Since starting, I've set myself different annual challenges, so I have something to work towards. Last year, I trained for, participated in and finished the L'Etape du Tour. It consumed me in 2024 and afterwards, I promised myself a sportive challenge in 2025 that was a little less intense.


My coach Jasmjin Muller suggested a female-only sportive that was in its second year, and looking to recruit new female participants from across the world. It's a 140km, 3000 metre self-supported, closed-road event around the mountains of Gstaad, Switzerland. With only 450 female participants, it's being billed as less hectic and more 'gynocentric' than the classic European summer sportives. Having spent time sharing mixed sex-bathroom facilities on L'etape and Wales' Dragon Ride, I felt like I deserved a different experience! There are 6 women from Kingston Wheelers participating and we are raising money for London's Air Ambulance charity in support of one of our team who was injured on a training ride in May.

How’s the training been

I've taken a lot of what I learned training for L'etape into this year's season. An early FTP test in February (yuck) to sort out my zones and a well structured week, combining interval training, off-the-bike strength work and longer hilly weekend rides have paid dividends.


In February, I went to Gran Canaria with some club mates and enjoyed a week of challenging hills in the early season sun (and rain!). My friend Abby and I signed up to do La Reine together, as she was recovering from a foot op and wanted something to focus her recovery on. She has been an absolute trojan, getting back on her feet in time to be able to train. In May, we went out to Nice together for a long weekend and managed to get above 3000 metres elevation, cycling some of the climbs I did last year during L'Etape. I managed some PBs on those climbs this year so I am pretty happy with where I've got to and the lovely experiences I have had along the way.

What’s keeping you and your fellow riders up at night ahead of La Reine

Without doubt, the weather! La Reine is a testing parcour, with a number of steep climbs/descents on narrow farm roads. Last year, it rained and made an already challenging day a real battle. We've trained the vagaries of the route but it's hard to train for rubbish weather. You tend to stay indoors when it rains (though a particularly bad day in Gran Canaria was a good dress rehearsal!). If we could have one thing guaranteed for a good night's sleep, a calm day with the odd glimpse of sun would be perfect!

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