Interview Sophie Edwards

The waves of Oceania reached Europe for the Summer. The white-blue jersey is presented by Sophie Edwards, who's surfing over European soil in the coming months. The 23-years old Oceania road champion started her second European campaign with good performances in Belgium and Germany. The rider from Adelaide is ready to set another step forward this year and turn fully professional. Get to know a new young talent from Down Under that we might see a lot more often in the northern classics.

This year you became Oceania road champion. What does this title & jersey mean to you?

It has been very special winning the Oceania championships and having the opportunity to wear the jersey for the rest of the year! I went into the race thinking it would be a day for pure climbers and that I wouldn’t have much of a chance, so I was very surprised and excited when I made it to the final sprint and won!

Last year you did well in your first European campaign. What are your ambitions for this year?

Last year in Europe was all about learning how the races happened, adjusting to the intensity, parcours and learning to ride as a team. This year I really hope to podium in some European races so I can find a professional contract to stay in Europe for the rest of this year and next year.

You're also racing on the track. Do you believe that it also gives you advantages in road cycling?

I think that the power and strength that I have developed through my track racing has definitely helped me survive the tough racing here on the road. I am also good at handling the high pressure environment within the velodrome so find it easier to stay calm and focussed on the road.

On which terrains would you like to improve yourself?

I’d love to keep improving everything, from my top end speed to my climbing abilities. The types of races I love to watch and be a part of are the super tough ones with lots of punchy climbs, like the spring classics, so I want to keep building my physical abilities so I can perform at races like that.

Do you believe there is enoug awareness about mental health in the peloton?

I am grateful that there are now more conversations around the mental health of elite athletes with many teams now making it a priority to have services easily accessible and without a negative stigma. I would love to see this continue building as I have always seen the importance of being mentally fit alongside physically fit when preparing to race.

You took part at the Commonwealth Games. Can you describe the impact of this event in Australia?

While the Commonwealth Games aren’t the Olympics or World Championships and are missing many of the major cycling nations- they are widely broadcast and promoted in Australia in a similar way to the Olympics. Once I was selected in the team, all my family and friends were so excited!! It’s one of the few times I can race and they can watch it live on TV easily and see our pictures in the newspaper! My grandparents saved me 6 copies of the newspaper from the day our team pursuit squad was in it! :)

What is your dream race to take part in, in the future?

I have always wanted to race in the Paris Roubaix. After a few rough races in Belgium on the cobbles I have questioned that a little. Ha ha. But I think it’s just the type of race I love- a long history, super tough, battling all day and you need a little bit of luck, but I’m sure the sense of accomplishment when you finish it would be incredible.

How did you discover the sport?

I was originally a field hockey and waterpolo player and loved team sports so came into cycling a bit late and initially struggled with the individual nature of it. In the state I am from in Australia there is a sports testing program for 13-14 year olds that identifies future sports talent. I was told that I would make a good cyclist or sprint kayaker! I tried both, falling in the water far too many times for my liking in the kayaking but loved the speed of the velodrome at first try! From there I was coached mainly on the track and have since shifted over to the road too as I love being outside and exploring nature. I’m very lucky to have grown up in Adelaide where the Tour Down Under is held so I’ve always had plenty of beautiful roads and hills to train on.