"Competing in the top-tier gravel racing event while pregnant, this individual shares their personal reasons for continuing the racing journey together with their unborn child"
In a remarkable display of determination and resilience, the para-cyclist, whose identity remains undisclosed, has embarked on an unprecedented journey of balancing pregnancy with a demanding athletic career.
The athlete, known for her grit and tenacity on the gravel roads, has proven that a family and an athletic career can coexist. She crossed the finish line after 7 hours and 20 minutes of racing at the Belgian Waffle Ride Arizona, feeling both proud and relieved.
The author's pregnancy was a closely guarded secret, known only to her family, close friends, and brand partners. However, she was open to adjusting her racing schedule if any event was deemed too risky or dangerous during pregnancy.
The journey through pregnancy has been more challenging than initially thought, proving to be a new experience for the athlete. Despite this, she has maintained a focused approach, prioritising fueling and hydration during the race and using fitness rather than technical speed to catch and pull away from other competitors.
The athlete's primary concern while racing is ensuring the safety of herself and others due to the unpredictability of other riders. This primal feeling to protect the baby at all costs has been a constant companion throughout her races.
The author's proposed racing schedule consists of gravel races, with plans to participate in events such as Sea Otter's elite gravel race, Levi's Gran Fondo, Stetina's Paydirt, and potentially Levi's Gran Fondo. However, she may skip certain events due to pregnancy progression.
The author's mentality towards exercise has changed during pregnancy, prioritising listening to her body. She has been following the advice of doctors, her care team, and her husband in managing her pregnancy and racing.
The athlete's decision to race while pregnant has received overwhelmingly positive reactions online. She hopes to show her future daughter and other female athletes that they can do whatever they set their minds to, even while starting a family.
Interestingly, not all athletes have been as fortunate. Para-cyclist Elena Semechin announced during her pregnancy that she was left without parts of her sponsors' support, indicating that some sponsors did not continue their backing after her announcement.
Fortunately, all of the author's sponsors, including Shimano, Scott, Camelbak, CarbsFuel, Garmin, Zico Coconut, and Vittoria Tires, have reacted positively and supportively to the pregnancy.
The author initially planned to announce the pregnancy before the race, but decided against it due to concerns about her ability to race while pregnant. She has since decided to skip the mechanical bull event this year due to pregnancy.
The author's journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the spirit of sport. She wants to inspire other athletes, especially women, to believe that they can achieve their dreams, no matter the obstacles they may face.
