ASHLEIGH MOOLMAN PASIO

Cervélo- Bigla

The runner-up in the 2016 Women’s Tour has returned to competition after breaking her hip in a collision with an race vehicle at last October’s Chrono des Nations. Here, the South African climber tells us what inspires her and why the Rocacorba climb is her favourite ascent.

What do enjoy most about riding your bike?

The freedom it gives you and the feeling of strength you get when you’re in form. But I see every ride as a chance to explore a new place or find something out about myself.

What’s your favourite race?

La Flèche Wallonne. I’ve got five top-10 finishes there and was third in 2013. There’s just something about the Mur de Huy that I love; it’s probably because it suits me quite well.

What would you be doing if you weren’t a professional bike racer?

I have a degree in chemical engineering, so I suppose I’d be using that in some way.

What’s your favourite climb

The Rocacorba near Girona. I know every corner and crack in the road. It’s really testing because its starts off quite mild and then gets steep towards the top. It’s all about pacing. I don’t do the whole climb that often, but I’m currently the queen of the mountain on Strava. I think my time is 35 or 36 minutes. [Actually 34:41].

Who is your cycling hero?

Not someone who’s performing now, but I’ll be a bit cheesy and say my husband, Carl. The cyclist that I am today is very much due to the effort he’s invested in my ability. He was a very promising athlete in his own right but just lacked the opportunities.

Do you have any pre-race rituals?

I’m not a superstitious person but I’m a Christian, so just before the race I pray. Just for safety and to hand it over to God, so it’s not really in my control.

Who’ll win the Giro Rosa in five years’ time?

My team-mate Marie Vilmann. She’s a really great climber and a tour-type of climber. She’s still new to the sport – she’s only been riding for one or two years –and has a lot of development to do in terms of the more powerful climbs, but if she continues to develop at the pace she has been, why not?

What is the one thing the UCI could do to improve road racing?

Safety is the big thing for me. It could be a lot better.

What result are you most proud of?

I’d say my bronze medal in the road race at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, just because of the circumstances: I was completely on my own against stronger nations and I was proud of the way I managed to keep my cool.

"There's just something about the Mur de Huy that I really love; it's probably because it suits me quite well"