04/04/2022
Kims thoughts on her way to Europe;
"The partnership with Torelli cycling is one of the most exciting and promising pathways for young female cyclists in New Zealand. I started cycling one year ago, with no knowledge about the sport. I’d previously trained to a relatively high level in swimming and triathlon and knew the pathways in these sports through school and local clubs.
When I met the team at ESP a year ago I didn’t know going professional in road cycling was a ‘thing’. I now understand that for women in road cycling the only way forward is to go to Europe and get the experience needed.
New Zealand doesn’t have the depth in women’s road cycling yet, and racing in a peloton of 15 women is very different to racing in Europe with 130 women. I am extremely excited to join Tony at Torelli cycling to better my performance and gain the knowledge/experience needed for my future in road racing. I also believe it is very important for my team mates heading to as well because they can now gain experience from a younger age that we can’t get in NZ. I hope in doing this we can create a pathway for future female cyclists to use and get experience in Europe.
It would be amazing to gain funding in the future to promote this pathway and make it more accessible to everyone. In order for women’s cycling to grow in New Zealand we need our younger, school aged girls to see a pathway to professional road racing. This is how we get more numbers and women involved in the sport which is an exciting prospect. I feel privileged to be surrounded by a support crew that has created this pathway and to be joining a team with the same vision! Women’s road cycle racing is growing qu**ky and we have more than enough Kiwi talent to show them what New Zealanders are made of. I know this season will not be easy for me and a big learning curve. It will only prepare me for the future and make me a stronger rider. Thanks to everyone who is involved."
