Challenging the status quo in women's cycling

The Impact of Women-Led Cycling Communities

Ashleigh Moolman Pasio , an elite professional cyclist and entrepreneur, is two faces of the same coin that help each other calibrate. Through Rocacorba Cycling , Rocacorba Collective on Zwift , and the Khaltsha Cycles Cycling Academy, she's created avenues that promote the sport among women and empower them in various facets of their lives.

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In a conversation with Pedro Couto Lopes in the Ride To Success podcast, Pasio addresses the barriers women and young girls face in cycling. She leads by example and fosters communities that celebrate women's achievements in cycling; she is paving the way for more inclusive participation in the sport. Her work creates supportive and empowering environments for women in cycling.

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For Ashleigh, cycling is more than just a sport; it's a way of life. The inspiration to get up and ride every day comes from a deep-seated passion for the sport and a desire to positively impact those around her. "Everything that I do, I do with passion and in particular to have a good influence or good impact on the people in my surroundings," Ashleigh shared in a recent interview on the "Ride to Success" podcast. This drive motivates her to balance the rigorous demands of being an elite professional athlete with her entrepreneurial ventures.

Early Beginnings and the Road to Professional Cycling

Ashleigh's journey into professional cycling was not a straightforward path. With a background in chemical engineering and a passion for various sports during her school years, cycling was not immediately on her radar. Through a life-changing accident and the encouragement of her husband, Carl, she discovered her talent and passion for cycling. Despite the initial challenges, including a serious horse riding accident that left her in a coma for 10 days and threatened her academic and athletic future, Ashleigh's determination led her to not only recover but excel both academically and athletically.

Her transition into professional cycling began at the university, where she met Carl. Their partnership was transformative, with Carl recognising Ashleigh's potential in cycling and encouraging her to pursue it. This marked the beginning of her professional cycling career, which made her the successful athlete she is today, competing at the highest levels of the sport.

Overcoming Obstacles in Women's Cycling

Ashleigh's career has not been without challenges, particularly when navigating the male-dominated world of professional cycling. She has faced and observed firsthand the barriers women encounter in the sport, from unequal pay and opportunities to a lack of representation and support. These challenges have not deterred her; instead, they've fueled her commitment to advocate for women in cycling and seek innovative solutions to these pervasive issues.

One significant step towards this goal has been the creation of the Rocacorba Cycling and Rocacorba Collective on Zwift, a virtual cycling community aimed at empowering women. Ashleigh hopes to encourage more women to take up cycling and find joy and confidence in the sport by providing a supportive and inclusive space. "The virtual world is really the space to get more women on bikes, to get them more comfortable riding their bikes, and hopefully help them grow in self-confidence," she explains.

"Empowering women to become the best version of themselves."

Ashleigh inspiration behind Rocacorba Cycling stemmed from her desire to utilise her problem-solving and strategic thinking skills outside professional cycling. By offering experiences catering to professional and amateur riders, Rocacorba Cycling ensures inclusivity and personal growth, leveraging Girona's scenic beauty and respectful cycling culture.

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In her pursuit of building an inclusive community, Ashleigh created the Rocacorba Collective on Zwift, which aims to foster a supportive community for female cyclists. The Collective's motto, "Empowering women to become the best version of themselves," is reflected in its activities that encourage women to cycle in a judgment-free virtual space. A Rocacorba Collective member statement, "Your avatar has no shame", highlights the safe environment it provides for women to explore cycling.

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Ashleigh believes virtual cycling communities like Rocacorba Collective are pivotal in changing the landscape of women's cycling globally. By providing a platform for women to connect, share, and inspire, these communities break down barriers and introduce cycling to a broader audience.

Khaltsha Cycling Academy: Grassroots Empowerment

Inspired by the potential to positively impact young girls' lives, Ashleigh actively supports the Khaltsha Cycling Academy in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa. The academy's main objectives are to empower young girls through cycling and education, offering them a pathway to personal and professional development.

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Ashleigh's commitment to the Khaltsha Cycling Academy is captured in her own words: "I realised if they could just experience a fraction of the empowerment I have through professional cycling or through my cycling career, how much more they could potentially achieve in their lifetimes."?

The Khaltsha Cycling Academy has significantly impacted the community, empowering young girls by providing them with cycling training and educational support. The academy aims to instil confidence and discipline, reflecting Ashleigh's personal journey and belief in cycling as a tool for empowerment.

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Looking ahead, Ashleigh envisions the Khaltsha Cycling Academy playing a crucial role in empowering young women in South Africa, not only in sports but also in their educational and personal pursuits. By expanding the academy's reach and enhancing its programs, she aims to create a sustainable impact on the participants' lives and their communities.

Advice to Aspiring Cyclists

Ashleigh advises young women aspiring to enter the cycling world to find a supportive community or individual who can encourage and guide them. Emphasising the importance of passion and intrinsic motivation, she underscores that cycling, whether pursued professionally or recreationally, should be driven by love for the sport and a desire for personal growth.

Ashleigh Moolman Pasio's journey from a young girl recovering from a traumatic accident to a top professional cyclist and advocate for women in the sport is a powerful narrative of resilience, empowerment, and the transformative power of cycling.?

Through her multifaceted approach—combining professional expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and a deep commitment to community development—Ashleigh Moolman Pasio continues to inspire and empower women across the globe, making cycling a more accessible and inclusive sport.

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Rocacorba Cycling ~ https://www.rocacorbacycling.cc/

Rocacorba Collective ~ https://www.rocacorbacycling.cc/collective-1

Khaltsha Cycles Cycling Academy ~ https://www.khaltshacycles.co.za/programmes

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Links to the Ride To Success podcast:

Social Links to Ride to Success:

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Thanks for reading!