Bott and Co have been supporting a student from Cheshire who switched gears during lockdown and embarked on a journey that has since seen her take part in the 2021 Tour Series, Britain’s leading circuit race and representing GB in Australia in 2022.
Olivia French, 20, a talented tennis player, who has competed at national level, took to the saddle in 2020 when tennis courts were closed, and she accompanied her dad on lockdown bike rides.
Passionate about cycling and with a team of in-house cyclists, Bott and Co saw an opportunity to team up with Olivia, who we also supported during her time at Wilmslow High School.
The partnership aims to inspire others to ride bikes while also breaking down barriers into the sport, in particular, how women can overcome these.
The Beginning Of Life In The Cycle Lane
Speaking of how she took to two wheels, Olivia said: “The more natural choice for a lockdown sport would have been running, but I was having achilleas issues and was struggling to run more than 5k a week.
My dad offered to take me out for a ride, and I thought why not give it a go!
Over the summer I started to ride further and more frequently and absolutely loved it. I joined my university’s cycling club in October and then when we went into the 2nd lockdown and tennis wasn’t allowed again, I started working 1-1 with the coach at Durham, Phill Smith.
We initially focused on duathlon training as there weren’t that many cycling events going ahead because of covid-19. I managed to qualify to represent GB at the Duathlon Age-Group World Championships in Australia 2022 which I was over the moon about.”
Selected To Join A Prestigious Cycling Academy
No stranger to living life in the fast lane, she was selected from more than 100 riders to be part of the prestigious ŠKODA Driver’s Seat Initiative (DSI) Cycling Academy.
“I’d put in an application for Skoda DSI Cycling academy, really not expecting to even get a trial having no racing experience and being very new to the sport. When I got invited to the testing day, I was so excited to have a fun day out in London and meet other women who are as passionate about cycling as me. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and came away really happy with how I performed but definitely not thinking I had any chance of being selected.
A few days later, amidst the stress of a 24-hour University maths exam, I got a call confirming my selection and I couldn’t believe it. It was the hardest thing to sit back down and try and concentrate again but I was happy to get the exam done and then was able to celebrate afterwards.”
Bott and Co were incredible in supporting me throughout my time at High School, both academically and in sport. So, when they said they would like to work with me, I was delighted.
Olivia is one of four young female riders chosen to join the three-year programme, headed up by Academy Principal, Dame Sarah Storey.
Dame Sarah Storey said: “As a tennis player it was clear that Olivia has an incredible self-discipline and drive for fitness tests and her ability on the Wattbike was incredible for someone who took up cycling last year when other sports facilities were closed.
I was impressed with how keen she was to understand more about what she could do better, and it was clear from her application form she is a very driven and focussed individual who works methodically with her coaches and support network.”
Olivia said: “Being part of the academy is such a unique opportunity and it took a while to sink in.
It’s been an amazing experience so far. Their support has helped me develop quickly and given me confidence on the start-line with other more experienced riders.”
A New Set Of Wheels To Take Her Forward
Olivia had been using her mums’ old bike until recently, when Bott and Co bought her a new one.
“I think my whole family can attest to the beaming smile my new bike puts on my face every time I go out of the house to ride it! I raced on it in my first national race, and it feels much easier to put out power and so much smoother to ride. In short: I love it!”
My goals are to keep having this much fun on the bike, working as hard as I can and to soak up the experience of being in bigger races.
The firm has been continued sponsors at Wilmslow High School where Olivia studied prior to attending university.
“Bott and Co were incredible in supporting me throughout my time at High School, both academically and in sport. So, when they said they would like to work with me, I was delighted.
Already, their support has helped me to get a bike I can be more competitive on and I’m looking forward to seeing how the partnership develops.”
Avid cyclist David Bott, Senior Partner at Bott and Co, said: “It’s fantastic to be able to partner with Olivia as she embarks on her cycling journey. It’s clear that she is no ordinary athlete. She is a go-getter and has the drive and determination which will no doubt see her being successful in many races.
Her story will hopefully inspire others of the joys of cycling and we’re going to be working with Olivia on ways to make positive changes where necessary in both local and national cycling communities, helping the next generation of riders take to the pedals.”
Climbing Onwards And Upwards
Olivia cites her biggest cycling achievements so far as winning her first races, something she did not expect would happen this season after coming very near to last in prior events.
“What surprised me most since joining the academy is how different being on a cycling team is to being on a tennis team. In tennis, you’re more of an individual that is part of a team; there’s not much your teammates can do to help you in a match apart from cheer in between points! However, being part of Skoda we can help each other in races and work together to get results. I’ve also found the support from the more experienced riders in the team so helpful.
My goals are to keep having this much fun on the bike, working as hard as I can and to soak up the experience of being in bigger races.
I’m excited for future races where I will be lining up with some amazing female riders and hopefully put on a good show for women’s cycling!”