Closing the Chapter: My Final World Championships and the Journey Ahead

Next week, I’ll be heading to Zurich, Switzerland, for what will be my final Para Cycling Road World Championships. This will mark my 9th World Championships since I began competitive cycling in 2011, and with 9 World Championship titles under my belt, it’s been quite the ride (pun intended!).

Honestly, not many expected to see me make it to Zurich. Just four months ago, I was in the ICU, struggling to breathe. But while I was in the hospital, I made a decision—I needed a goal, something to aim for, to give me hope and a sense of normalcy in my life.

Recovery has been a slow process. When I first started rehab, I could leg press 10kg with my right leg and absolutely nothing with my left. Now, after months of hard work, I’m back in the gym pressing 85kg with each leg—pretty close to my best! On the bike, I’ve gone from 20 minutes a day on my indoor trainer to being back on the road doing solid training sessions. While my efforts aren’t at the level they once were, I’m thrilled to be riding again.

I wanted to race at Worlds to close the chapter on my international career and say goodbye to my competitors, many of whom I may only see on social media going forward. I don’t expect to make the podium—the women I’m racing against are younger and incredibly strong—but that’s okay.

For me, cycling has never been just about making a team; it’s about passion. It’s also what’s kept me walking. The doctors told me that my past fitness likely played a huge role in my survival. Staying fit truly can save your life!

Thank you to the Victorian Institute of Sport (Anne Marie Harrison, Alison Low, Susan White, Vanessa Bof and Luke Neville) for helping me get to this point. Thanks also to AusCycling for allowing me this opportunity to do my last race. Thank you to my friends I ride with who have helped me get to where I am right now and to my husband Russ for standing by me no matter what crazy thing I want to do (I’m sure he thinks I’m nuts). A huge thank you to my sister Cynthia who was by my side in hospital day after day. But more importantly my doctors who pulled me through 4 months ago, without them I probably wouldn’t be here!

I’m grateful for this final race. I started my career 13 years ago with a Time Trial, and I’ll finish it with a Time Trial. I’m going out on my own terms, and I’m excited for whatever comes next… stay tuned!