After victories in the last two UCI Women’s WorldTour stage races (Simac Ladies Tour and Ceratizit Challenge by La Vuelta), Liv Racing is looking forward to its next stage race with confidence. From Wednesday 8 September to Tuesday 14 September the team will compete in the Tour Cycliste Féminin International de l’Ardèche in France.
The team consists of Pauliena Rooijakkers, Jeanne Korevaar, Sabrina Stultiens, Evy Kuijpers and Ayesha McGowan. Ayesha McGowan is competing for Liv Racing for the first time. The American McGowan was added to the team as a trainee early this year. Since then she has progressed very well with the help of Liv Racing’s training and coaching facilities, amongst others.
“I have waited so long for this opportunity, so it is very special for me. The hard work is now paying off. There will be some tears of joy”, said McGowan, who knows that the Ardèche has its share of climbs. “I’ve been really switching my mindset from being afraid of long climbs to being excited about them. I’m really looking forward to seeing how that newfound confidence plays out on the courses at Ardèche. Hopefully fitness and courage will reinforce each other.”
McGowan is keen to be of value to the team and make the collective as strong as possible. “I’m looking forward to supporting the team, surprising myself, and if I’m so lucky, being able to appreciate the beautiful atmosphere in the Ardèche. Everything else is a bonus. Anyone who knows me knows that I am never afraid to dream big. I will always go for it.”
Photo credits: Cor Vos