A cyclist's journey from South Africa to Europe

Ashleigh Moolman Pasio of AG Insurance – Soudal Quick-Step has overcome numerous challenges with determination and perseverance on her journey to the success she enjoys today, and she is eager to share her inspiring story.

The driving force behind my decision to become a professional cyclist was, primarily, my husband Carl. He identified my talent, played a pivotal role in nurturing it, and fueled my competitive nature. Through his support, I transformed into the cyclist I am today. The realization dawned upon me that professional cycling presented a challenge, and being someone who embraces challenges for the personal growth they offer, I embarked on this journey. Starting as someone with low self-confidence, especially in sports, Carl's guidance helped me overcome these barriers. The journey of professional cycling became a pathway to personal growth and empowerment. In essence, Carl's recognition of my talent, the challenge of professional cycling, and the promise of personal development constituted the driving force that led me from my home country, South Africa, to Europe.

When I first delved into the world of cycling and made the transition to Europe, one glaring issue that caught my attention was the stark lack of equality within the sport. My background in chemical engineering from South Africa instilled in me a sense of equality, even in a male-dominated field. However, as I entered the European cycling scene, it was disheartening to witness the prevailing gender disparity, with women often receiving less recognition.

This realization ignited a problem-solving mindset, drawing on my engineering background. I was determined to challenge the status quo and push for progress in women's cycling. Initially, I grappled with frustration, feeling a part of an unfair system. However, I swiftly recognized that dwelling on victimhood was counterproductive for my cycling performance. I pivoted my outlook, focusing on leading by example and taking tangible actions to effect positive change within the system.

The idea of Rocacorba Cycling Hotel was born out of this determination to bridge the gender gap in cycling. Girona, being a beautiful city with excellent cycling routes, provided the perfect setting. The hotel became a platform to expose the general public, especially those interested in cycling tourism, to women's cycling. Despite the initial challenges and limited TV coverage for women's cycling, Rocacorba Cycling Hotel aimed to showcase the sport, giving guests a glimpse into my career and, by extension, promoting women's cycling.

Balancing my roles involves a strategic approach. While my primary commitment lies with professional cycling, Rocacorba Cycling represents my future, passion, and a commitment to transforming the cycling landscape. Gratefully, I have a dedicated team at Rocacorba Cycling, ensuring the smooth running of the hotel and aligning with my values. Whether in racing or business, the essence of teamwork remains paramount in my life. It's not just about the trade team on the road but extends to my home life and business endeavors. The team support enables me to juggle these roles effectively, ensuring that I can perform at my best on the cycling stage while nurturing the growth of Rocacorba Cycling.

Girona, specifically its province, holds a special place for me. The smaller town of Danielis, nestled near the Rocacorba climb and a lake, provides a serene environment. The province offers a cyclist-friendly lifestyle with safe, quiet country roads, affordable living costs, and a welcoming community. The proximity to the Rocacorba climb, a crucial element in my training, enhances the overall appeal. Girona feels like home, providing an ideal backdrop for my cycling pursuits.

Rocacorba Cycling encompasses a historical Catalan estate with three distinct buildings: Can Benet (a five-bedroom villa available for full rental or room-by-room), Cal Germa (a three-bedroom villa rented exclusively), and Can Campolier (a farmhouse with five premium en-suite bedrooms). The farmhouse boasts authentic Catalan touches and offers farm-to-table meals, rental bikes, a sauna, and ample space within the 35-hectare property. Situated at the base of the Rocacorba climb, the cycling hotel provides easy access to quiet roads, making it an ideal location for cyclists seeking a home away from home.

Being a South African cyclist introduces distinctive challenges in a sport that predominantly revolves around Europe. For success, a pivotal decision was relocating to Europe, marking a significant chapter that involved leaving behind my home, family, and continent—an especially formidable task as a recent graduate. Financial constraints emerged, given the absence of an initial salary, prompting reliance on local endorsements from South Africa. Navigating the intricate visa procedures as a South African proved challenging. Fortunately, my husband's Italian heritage played a crucial role in facilitating my stay. Obtaining an Italian passport ultimately alleviated the hurdles associated with securing visas, shedding light on the complexities faced by South African cyclists navigating a foreign landscape.

The challenges extended beyond geographical shifts. Cycling, inherently Eurocentric, necessitated a constant European presence to compete at the highest level. The pursuit of excellence meant forfeiting the familiar comforts of home—a reality grappled with by many South African cyclists, myself included. Engaging in a double season became imperative. This involved participating not only in the demanding European season but also extending racing commitments to South Africa. The strategic rationale behind this decision was fulfilling sponsorship obligations and providing exposure to sponsors across both regions. Racing in distinct seasons on separate continents emerged as a challenging yet necessary aspect of establishing a foothold in the world of professional cycling.

In essence, the challenges faced as a South African cyclist transcend the physical rigors of the sport. The journey encompasses adaptation, resilience, and overcoming logistical, cultural, and personal obstacles to establish a presence in a sport demanding both physical prowess and mental fortitude. The acquired lessons from navigating these challenges undoubtedly shape not only my cycling career but also my approach to life's complexities.

Beyond cycling, cooking takes center stage as my primary hobby. Exploring new recipes, especially those incorporating seasonal produce from our vegetable garden, brings me joy. The freedom of cooking allows me to experiment with flavors and create unique dishes. I also enjoy reading, walking with my dog, and harbor a deep love for horse riding, a hobby I hope to explore further once my professional cycling career permits.

A typical training day begins with morning routines, including coffee, breakfast, and handling administrative tasks. Training rides usually commence around 9:30 or 10 am. Post-ride, I prioritize lunch, often preparing a meal from the leftovers in the farmhouse fridge. Afternoons involve additional admin, meetings, recovery activities like sauna or massage, and possibly some cross-training or strength work, depending on the season. Evenings consist of dinner, a walk with my dog, and relaxation with my husband, whether watching Netflix or reading. As I prepare for the upcoming season, my focus shifts to strength training, incorporating gym workouts and targeted bike sessions to ensure a strong start to the racing calendar.

Looking ahead to the 2024 season, I am optimistic and enthusiastic, building on the lessons learned with the AG Insurance-Soudal Quick-Step team. The Ardennes classics and La Vuelta, with a focus on races like the Tour de France Femmes, stand out as primary goals. Having gained familiarity and cohesion within the team, I believe we are poised for success. Striving for good results in the classics, starting with Strade Bianchi, and culminating in a strong showing at the Tour de France Femmes, are key aspirations. A positive off-season, marked by a rejuvenating holiday, sets the stage for a promising year ahead, with a focus on energy, performance, and achieving notable successes in the upcoming season.