By Jethro Bovingdon
Photography by Doug Krautz
Following your dreams can seem like a fluffy cliché. However, reaching the pinnacle in the sporting arena requires a dogged and rare determination.
Rochelle Gilmore, professional cyclist and now team owner and manager of the Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling team, embodies the blood, sweat, tears, passion and fearlessness required to succeed at the top level.
The team was formed in 2012, but has already attracted top talent and forged a reputation for professionalism.
As well as support from Sir Bradley Wiggins, the team has the use of four Honda Accords and two CR-Vs
‘I developed a burning desire to have my own team four or five years ago,’ explains Rochelle. ‘I felt the professionalism you find in men’s cycling wasn’t there for female athletes. I wanted to change that.’
Rochelle worked in partnerships to learn everything she could about the intricacies of team management. After London 2012, she was ready to create a new environment for the world’s greatest female riders.
‘I suffered a horrific injury in 2011 and, despite my form coming good in 2012, the selection criteria was based on the previous 12 months of competition, so I missed out.
‘But I commentated on the road race for Eurosport and saw what an inspirational sport cycling was from the outside looking in. Those moments cemented my desire and I was determined to go for it.’
In the frame
Everything came together quickly, and Rochelle’s personal success in cycling (she won gold at the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games in the 112km road race) and her growing reputation in management attracted backing from Sir Bradley Wiggins.
‘Bradley wanted to support women’s cycling – he saw the same problems I had – and he’s chosen our team to do that. His advice and mentoring is invaluable and as part of Team GB he’s seen and lived in the best working environment in cycling. We can learn from that.’
Meanwhile, Honda is rolling out a range of campaigns to give the team exposure and offering six vehicles (four Accords and two CR-Vs) to support the riders as they participate in international events.
Rochelle’s driving force is to give her girls the opportunities and support female cyclists have never had before
The link with Team GB is strong, despite Rochelle being a proud Australian. ‘Team GB is the best in the world – it doesn’t compromise on anything and the athlete is given absolute priority,’ she says. ‘For me, a dream environment is one where the athletes get exactly what they need. To understand what they need requires you to be an athlete yourself. I wanted a 24-hour support structure so when the girls are on the start line they know they’ve had perfect preparation.’
It’s that mental edge that Rochelle believes can make the difference between success and failure. ‘Getting to the line with that confidence allows the girls to think about what they can achieve at their absolute maximum – a gold-medal performance, or a personal best. The belief is so important – it’s key.’
The team is led by Giorgia Bronzini, World Road Cycling Champion in 2010 and 2011, but includes track riders who are making the transition to road racing. Laura Trott, Team GB cyclist and double Olympic gold medallist, is one such rider.
‘We have so much young talent that I feel we have potential world, Olympic and commonwealth champions,’ says Rochelle. ‘But we don’t want to mark out any goals at this stage. The younger athletes have only just switched over to the road and they’re learning. Having said that, I feel one or two of them might get a big result pretty soon.’
With Rochelle’s breathtaking ambition and meticulous leadership style, the Wiggle Honda team looks set to have a bright future.
‘It means the world to have the support of Honda – they really understand what’s required to fulfil potential and achieve success on the world stage,’ she says. ‘I love giving the girls the opportunities I never had, and Honda is helping to create something really special.’
