Looking Ahead: How Cassondra Spring and Liv Cycling Are Shaping Women's Cycling

Cassondra's vision for the future of Liv Cycling and women's cycling is ambitious and inspiring. She envisions a more inclusive future where cyclists of all backgrounds feel welcomed and supported. Liv Cycling's grassroots programs, ambassador initiatives, and high-profile partnerships like the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift are all steps towards this goal.

Cassondra Spring's leadership at Liv Cycling is a testament to the power of passion, community, and strategic vision. Her work is shaping a more inclusive and supportive future for women's cycling, one pedal stroke at a time.

As the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift continues to grow in prominence, the world will see the extraordinary impact of Liv Cycling's mission and Cassondra's dedication.

Creating an Inclusive Community

Cassondra's personal passion for cycling is deeply intertwined with Liv Cycling's mission to welcome more women and girls into the sport. "I believe that anybody that wants to bike belongs," she stated. Her journey into cycling began in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, where she found a supportive community through local races. This sense of belonging and support has driven her to create similar opportunities for others through Liv Cycling.

As a leader, Cassondra practices strengths-based and servant leadership, focusing on empowering her team and clearing paths for their visibility. She is also an active mentor, participating in programs like Uplift and the Futurist Project. Cassondra believes in the power of mentorship to overcome mentees' challenges like imposter syndrome and to support women in achieving their highest potential.

Liv Cycling fosters a supportive community by partnering with local ambassadors worldwide. These ambassadors organize clinics, rides, and events to engage women at all skill levels. Whether it's gravel riding in Poland or building cycling communities in China, Liv's global ambassador program ensures that women everywhere feel welcomed and supported in their cycling journeys.

Cassondra's approach to building partnerships within the cycling industry is intentional and strategic. She emphasized the importance of working with community catalysts like Ayesha McGowan, member of the Black Foxes, who advocates for more people of color and women of color in the sport. By supporting these champions, Liv Cycling amplifies their impact and drives meaningful change.

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The driving force behind Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift

Kate Veronneau's role in championing women's cycling

In a conversation with Pedro Couto Lopes in the Ride To Success podcast, Kate shares her journey from collegiate basketball to competitive cycling and her vision for the future of women's cycling.

Zwift's Role in Championing Women's Cycling

Under her guidance, Zwift sponsors premier events like the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift and Paris-Roubaix Femmes, significantly elevating women's cycling on the global stage. These partnerships increase visibility and underscore the importance of brand investment in the growth of women's cycling. Veronneau believes that sustained investment and media coverage are crucial for advancing gender parity in the sport.

"The races themselves have been absolutely incredible. Like just, you know, nail biting, so exciting, new breakout performances, heroic stages, everything that you'd want at Paris -Roubaix and at Tour de France, we're seeing on the women's side. And, you know, for those of us that have been long time fans of women's cycling, we've known it's there. The characters, the action, the talent. Those breakout performances, but nobody was able to see it."

From the rise in e-sports to the growing demand for more inclusive cycling communities, Veronneau's work is shaping the future of the sport. She emphasizes the power of technology in creating safe and accessible spaces for women cyclists and urges the cycling industry to embrace diversity and innovation.

"It starts with investment. It really does. Because with that investment comes more visibility, which comes with higher valuation, which then attracts more investment. So I think that's what's really going to unlock opportunities for women cyclists to get into the sport and for women to pursue their dreams of becoming pros."

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#Cycling #Podcast #RideToSuccess

Ride to Success Podcast | Guest: Daisy Lucker

She’s a two-time Guinness World Record holder. She’s rowed across the Atlantic. Circumnavigated Great Britain. And now? She’s about to cycle around the world — with no job, no home, and no turning back.

In this powerful episode of the Ride to Success Podcast, Daisy Lucker shares the behind-the-scenes truth of extreme endurance challenges, the mental shift that changed her life, and why her next adventure might be her hardest yet.

From rowing 3,000 miles with no toilet or privacy, to discovering the unexpected clarity that comes from solo bike rides, Daisy opens up about courage, identity, and what happens when you say yes to the unknown.

Whether you're a cyclist, an adventurer, or just someone craving a mindset shift, this conversation is packed with takeaways to ride more, live braver, and rethink success on your own terms.

In This Episode:

• The emotional toll and triumph of rowing the Atlantic

• How Daisy trained her mind more than her body

• What it really means to "quit everything" and cycle the world

• Redefining success outside traditional career paths

• Practical wisdom for getting unstuck and chasing bold ideas

Join the Ride to Success Podcast community, where we spotlight entrepreneurs, changemakers, and everyday riders using the bike to live bigger, bolder lives.

Subscribe, rate & share to help others ride their own path to success.

🎧 Listen to the Full Episode

Podcast available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

In this powerful episode of the Ride to Success podcast, host Pedro Couto Lopes sits down with British cyclist Connie Hayes — a semi-pro rider for O’Shea Racing, a Geography MRes graduate, and a bold voice for neurodivergent athletes in sport.

Connie opens up about being diagnosed with autism, dyslexia, and dyspraxia in her early 20s — and how those labels, far from limiting her, became the key to unlocking her identity. From racing in elite events like the Women’s Tour of Britain and RideLondon Classique, to hitting rock bottom with injury, burnout, and grief, Connie’s story is a lesson in resilience, honesty, and redefining success.

Topics we cover in this episode:

• What it’s like to race bikes as an autistic athlete

• Masking, late diagnosis, and reclaiming identity

• How injury forced Connie to rediscover the joy of riding

• Why you don’t need to “fit in” to win

• Building better support for neurodivergent individuals in sport

• Connie’s upcoming goal: cycling around the world

If you’ve ever felt like you don’t fit the mould, this conversation will challenge, inspire, and empower you.

Join the Ride to Success Podcast community, where we spotlight entrepreneurs, changemakers, and everyday riders using the bike to live bigger, bolder lives.

Subscribe, rate & share to help others ride their own path to success.

🎧 Listen to the Full Episode

Podcast available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

Social Links to Ride to Success:

Follow Pedro Couto Lopes:https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedro-couto-lopes/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ridetosuccess/

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Joe Grant shares his journey from a childhood filled with cycling to a life plagued by addiction and drug dealing.

He reflects on the impact of his choices on his family and the turning points that led him to seek recovery.

He later founded Energise Cycles, a community initiative aimed at empowering youth through cycling and addressing issues like mental health and youth crime.

Joe's story is one of transformation, resilience, and the power of support in overcoming adversity.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Win a €500 CIOVITA gift card

Listen, answer, and ride in style!

https://www.ride-to-success.com/listenandwin-ride-to-success

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When James Harrison first wheeled out his old mountain bike in 2015 to commute 10 miles to work, he didn’t know he was starting a journey that would turn him into a two-time cycling entrepreneur. What began as a struggle to get up the hills without gasping for breath has since evolved into two purpose-driven businesses — Souplesse Cycling and Q Bike Wheels — and a mission to make cycling more enjoyable and effortless for everyone.

In his recent interview on the Ride to Success podcast with host Pedro Couto Lopes, James opens up about his late start in the sport, the engineering mindset that fuels his ventures, and what it really means to blend passion, problem-solving, and persistence.

Listen Now

This conversation with James Harrison is a must-listen for anyone navigating the intersection of sport, business, and purpose. It’s a story of curiosity, courage, and the power of solving real problems — on and off the bike.

Listen to the full episode on the Ride to Success Podcast

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

Topics Discussed

• The Journey into Cycling: First Ride and Early Experiences

• Mistakes and Learning in Cycling

• Merging Engineering with Cycling: The Birth of Souplesse Cycling

• Lessons from Cycling: Persistence, Humility, and Feedback

• Launching Q Bike Wheels: Solving a Pricing Problem

• Balancing Data and Intuition in Cycling

• The Challenge of Managing Two Businesses

• Turning Passion into a Business

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Pedro Couto Lopes interviews Ben Clark, who shares his journey of cycling around the world. The discussion covers the inspiration behind the journey, the lessons learned on the road, cultural connections, and the importance of mental health. Ben reflects on the challenges of solitude, the intersection of business and adventure, and the significance of supporting mental health initiatives.

The conversation also delves into the highlights and regrets of the journey, including experiences in Georgia and the decision not to cycle through Afghanistan.

The discussion also touches on personal growth, mental health, and the evolving definition of success, emphasising the value of experiences over mere achievements.

🎧 Listen to the Full Episode

Catch the full conversation with Ben Clark on the Ride to Success podcast — available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Topics discussed:

• 🚴‍♂️ Cycling 35,000km Solo Around the World

• 🧠 Mental Health, Resilience & Why He Almost Quit

• 🌍 What Travel Taught Him About Humanity

• 💬 Breaking the Stigma Around Men’s Mental Health

• 🏕️ Life on the Road: Crashes, Cold, and Connection

• 🔧 Startup Skills and the Business of Adventure

• 🗺️ From Tech Industry to Global Explorer

• 💡 Lessons from Solitude and Struggle

• 📈 Redefining Success, One Pedal Stroke at a Time

Listen to the podcast:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XhcMcW28Tuk7Vr4XK47TL

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ride-to-success/id1726829754

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtzjN9DhQi18kpAl-h6fuMA

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Dr. Sarah Ruggins on Breaking the JOGLEJOG World Record

Dr. Sarah Ruggins cycled the full length of the UK and back (2,700km) in just 5 days, 11 hours, and 14 minutes.

In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Sarah opens up about the physical, mental, and emotional layers behind her record-breaking achievement. She discusses her journey from being bedridden as a teen to becoming one of the fastest cyclists in the world — all while balancing a high-pressure finance career and championing social causes.

We dive into her concept of “aggressive patience”, how she redefined success through setbacks, and why cycling became both her healing and her platform for advocacy.

Whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or just someone chasing a big goal — this episode is a masterclass in resilience, mindset, and meaningful achievement.

Topics Discussed:

Breaking the JOGLEJOG Record

Sleep-Deprived and Still Riding

Sarah’s Illness and Recovery Journey

A Philosophy for Long-Term Goals

Balancing Finance, Training, and 5-Hour Workouts

Building a Support Team

Riding for Refugees and Social Purpose

Redefining Identity

Advice to New Endurance Athletes

The True Meaning of Success

Listen to the podcast:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XhcMcW28Tuk7Vr4XK47TL

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ride-to-success/id1726829754

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtzjN9DhQi18kpAl-h6fuMA

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Social Links to Ride to Success:

Follow Pedro Couto Lopes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedro-couto-lopes/

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ridetosuccess/

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#RideToSuccess