What does the Pursuit of Progression look like? We think it means setting a goal, hitting it and setting another. We see progress in breaking down barriers, championing dedication and the overcoming of setbacks.
We want to hear your answers to that question.
To give a little flavour of what we’re looking for, we asked some of our ambassadors for their own ideas. What is progression? Where are they directing their energies, physical and mental? What have they learned on the journey so far?
Ayse Van Laethem, based out of Belgium and balancing work with her athletic pursuits, says she enjoys the journey more than the outcome.
“The chase really is better than the catch isn’t it? I love training, evolving, getting better. Putting the work in every day and seeing it pay off truly does put a smile on my face.”
Chris Tolley is a BMXer turned road racer who revived the largest weekly crit series in the US. He is pragmatic about both his goals and the pitfalls.
“This is most likely my last year chasing the pro dream, so this is my main focus for the season.”
“Mental wellbeing is key for me,” he continues. “I’ve suffered from burn-out for the last few years with racing, often breaking off way more than I can chew.
When it comes to looking back on past pursuits, Tolley wishes he’d known how good the feeling of making it happen would be.
“Reviving the Driveway Series, was a monumental task for me last year. As stressful as it was, I wish I knew how rewarding it would be to get the community back together. Racing is often a very selfish pursuit, with the main goal being to prove something to yourself or other people. Winning over the years has been sick, but getting hundreds of people out racing and hyped on bikes has been far more gratifying than I could've imagined.”
Abby-Mae Parkinson, formerly a professional road racer, is enjoying the fact she no longer has to train – taking that freedom to explore some pretty out-there pursuits.
“It used to be my job to train, whether I wanted to or not I’d go out and get it done! Now I’m retired I’m getting back into enjoying riding, swimming, running (I just ran my first half marathon in 1:32!) And I’ve even played a few rounds of golf.”
Yes, golf. You read that right.
When it comes to cultivating habits that enable progression, ex-British Army soldier and now cycling photographer, Daniel Hughes, says it’s the company you keep.
“I surround myself with equally childish, excitable people. That combined energy is more powerful than hundreds of cans of Red Bull.”
Of course, there can also be pitfalls when you’re chasing after a dream, Hughes adds.
“I’m going to work harder to concentrate on what’s important to me, for my wife and for my relationship with her. My personality type finds it very hard to let go. This is a good and bad trait. It’s allowed me to achieve so much I’m proud of, but they’ve all been pursuits of mine, rather than ours.”
Aussie ‘cross racer Fiona Morris, meanwhile, is not afraid to set some lofty goals. This year she’s targeting UCI Worlds qualification.
“It's a BIG AF goal, and one that both scares and excites me. I have butterflies in my tummy just thinking about it. I am constantly learning about training, nutrition, recovery, adaptation, and mental health. You don't know what you don't know.”
When asked what will underpin her progress for 2023, Morris is pragmatic.
“My theme is about doing everything I can with what I have. And not sweating what I can't do.”
We want to hear your pursuits, too. Not just the targets you’ve set, but how you’ll pursue them. What’s the secret sauce of your success? Hit the link and drop your answers in for a chance to win a year’s worth of new season road cycling apparel.
Click here to see more of the latest Pursuit of Progression campaign imagery and to peruse the New Season Road collection.