Wow. There is a lot going on in the world of cycling BESIDES cycling right now. Although I am a professional rider, I am also a fan of the sport. As a fan, I am like the rest of you, frustrated, disappointed, and left to wonder what is going to happen next. As a professional cyclist, I have the same emotions, in addition to anger, exasperation and a lack of understanding.

What are these guys thinking? Are they stupid enough to believe they will get away with this? Are they stupid enough to value a race more than their integrity, the sport’s integrity, their LIFE? I really don’t understand, and I am very angered by the assumption that anyone and everyone who races a bike is dirty.

I am often asked if the same thing happens in the women’s peloton, and if so, how do I deal with this? Honestly… I don’t know if it exists. I have heard stories from trusted individuals about what can happen within a bad team, or about certain individuals, but I have never seen anything first hand. Nor has anyone ever approached me. Perhaps, that is for the same reason that people do not use bad language around me (and apologise if they do) or perhaps it just isn’t as prevalent.

'Is there hope for the sport? I believe there is. I am thankful that the governing body of cycling is actually doing something to try to eliminate the problem'


One thing that is vastly different for the women than the men is the amount of money in the sport. Women barely make a living wage. Probably 99 per cent of the people involved in women’s racing, everyone from the mechanics, soigneurs and directors up to the riders, are involved because cycling is a passion and not a business. We work really hard, because we like to ride our bikes. We have a chance to compete in sport and to be athletes. Many people have this dream. We actually get to live it. And that is what our reward is… living a dream, not making a buck (or euro.)

But does it exist in the women’s peloton? The naïve athlete in me doesn’t want to believe it, but the reality is that it probably does. There is corruption at every level of society.

What I can be 100 per cent sure of, though, is that you can be clean and win. I have won the women’s version of the Tour de France twice, and I helped my teammate win it this year. I have won other races and stages as well. I have done all of it by being a good steward of what God gave me. No short cuts. Very detail oriented training, a very good diet (I am the broccoli queen on tour), time, patience, consistency, a bit of luck and a good team. I can’t win every race but I can be a factor, and I can occasionally stand on the top step of the podium. I know it is possible. I have done it.

The second part of the question is how do I cope with any kind of speculation? I do not focus on it. I have chosen to live with integrity and race with integrity. I am a Christian before I am a bike racer. As such, my goal is to accurately reflect Christ and not be a hypocrite. I am not motivated by money or success, either. Yes, I want to win, but it is the process of getting to the podium that is so enjoyable. The challenges that were overcome, the relationships that were developed, the perseverance that was required… it is the entire journey. The victory would mean nothing to me if it were not real. And, it would not have been me who won if I was doping. What would the point be then?

Is there hope for the sport? I believe there is. I am thankful that the governing body of cycling is actually doing something to try to eliminate the problem as opposed to just covering it up. I am also hopeful that the new generation of riders is starting in a culture that will not permit or promote cheating but instead fosters an attitude that drugs are not necessary or acceptable. I believe that if we can make that attitude change, we can have a level, drug free playground. I am afraid, though, that there will be major blows and steps backward first.

Remember, though, that the sport itself is a good one. People will always love to ride a bike, and they will always love competition. Also, remember that there are clean riders in the bunch. It is easy to assume ‘everyone’ is guilty, but such a blanket statement is not fair or accurate.

Right now, we are all frustrated and afraid that our champions and favourites aren’t playing fair, but as the sickness is purged, I believe things will “cycle” back around to a sport we can enjoy again.