CAPE TOWN – As is the reality for all athletes around the world, the ongoing covid-19 pandemic has presented its unique challenges for South African cyclist Ashleigh Moolman Pasio.
A pro rider with the CCC-Liv team, Moolman Pasio is currently based in Spain, and for good reason she says.
“Being a cyclist in South Africa you have many challenges,” she says. “One of these is safety for a woman cyclist… which is unfortunately a reality. The traffic conditions is also not conducive for a relaxed training environment.”
“South Africa also does not have any pro cycling events – yes there are mass participation events with a pro-element, but that’s it,” she adds.
Moolman Pasio believes it is imperative to be based in Europe, not only for the European race season, but also for the training environment it provides.
“Being based in Europe, you have easy access to the races and can train in similar race conditions from the cobbled stone roads, to the hills and the small country towns.”
Ashleigh Moolman Pasio in action at the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games. Photo: EPA
So how has the covid-19 pandemic impacted her plans?
“Lockdown happened in Spain very quickly so I had to adjust my mentality from having access to all the beautiful roads to being stuck indoors. I’m lucky to have access to a state-of-the-art indoor training facility so I could easily adjust to indoor training.
However, it was quite a big mental adjustment.”
Listen: Ashleigh Moolman Pasio on training during the covid-19 pandemic:
Wednesday, June 3 is celebrated as World Bicycle Day