Rachel Neylan Cycling Tribe Interview

A. The team had a a fantastic race. We knew we had a good chance of a few podium results at this tour! We had clear intentions in this tour, we didn't win overall GC but did everything we could to try, just beaten by a marginally better team on the final day. That said the girls rode their legs off and Ruth gave it her all. I think the next time we are in a position to win a race such as Limousin we will be more experienced because of this years race.

Q. You’re coming back from a pretty nasty injury yourself, could you tell us what happened and how you feel your form is after a couple of races back?

A.  The crash was a serious one. I had to have a lot of stitches in my backside so getting back on the bike was going to be an issue. I now feel strong and just need more racing in my legs as there isn't really anything like hard racing when it comes to gaining peak form.

Q. Can you tell us what motivated you to make such a speedy recovery, and indeed the recovery process itself?

A.  I am very lucky in that I have a great house in Lucca (SRM Training HQ) and a brilliant training  and living environment. I was also able to use the facility at the Ego Wellness Resort where I visited twice daily walking hills, stair climber and so much out of the seat argo training it became amusing. The AUS team doc, physio and physiologist along with the coaches where fantastic, which made my come back smooth and quite deliberate approach to retaining some form. I also have a strong support base including Vaughan McVilly (YouandIRide) who has really helped me to be able to concentrate on firstly getting better but more importantly being extremely focussed on the things that will make me successful in this sport and that is winning races and performing at the absolute pointy end of the women's professional peloton. 

Q. Rumor has it that the facilities at the Tour Feminin En Limousin aren’t exactly what a team like Team Sky would be accustomed to! What are some of the difficulties faced by elite level women’s cyclists?

A. A lot gets said about this and there seems to be loads of press about how hard it is for women in this sport compared to the men. I have been on the record beating this drum but I also can understand that the mens racing gets world media and plenty of opportunity for financial return for the sponsors so of course more money is tipped in to the mens side. I think the next step for women's racing is to keep racing hard, become smarter in how we promote our code and work with the media to try and lift our profile. If we can get more media coverage, more money will come from sponsors and backers of teams its that simple. In regards to the Limousin race well all I can say is the people were fantastic and for the level of financial backing the event had we were treated like royalty. 

Q. As you’re also a physiotherapist, does this make you even more popular with your teammates after a tough stage?

A. Hahaha - not really we have a fabulous Physio Beth who works with us so there are no worries there. Usually I am too wrecked after a stage to work on anyone else but will always be happy to give advice when it's needed. From when I get off my bike to the time I get back on it for the start of the next stage is critically important for my recovery. I worked hard for Ruth's GC during Limousin and I can tell you I was as deep in the hurt locker as everyone else after those stages as the race was there for us to win. My experience as a Physio is great because I think it gives me a heightened knowledge of whats going on with my body during that recovery period. That said when we aren't racing I often perform physio work on other riders. Just this week I helped USA rider Taylor Phinney with some physio treatment here in Lucca. Its a great way for me to earn some extra money too as long as it does not get in the way of my preparation to race. 

Q. It was recently the 5 year anniversary of the tragic passing of Amy Gillett, what does it mean to you to be the 2010 Amy Gillett Foundation Scholarship holder?

A. Its a huge honor. Not only to be picked from such an amazing list of Australia's up and coming female cyclists but because I am representing Amy Gillett as well. The foundation works tirelessly with all their projects including the "A Meter Matters" campaign aimed at giving riders more space on the roads and the scholarship is just another way that they support cycling in Australia. Of course the equipment sponsors like Bianchi and Shimano are also to thank as my bike is my tool of trade and this Bianchi T-Cube with Shimano Dura-Ace is like having the absolute best tools for the job! At the tour of Limousin it was the 5th year anniversary of Amy's passing so we all wore Pink armbands in her honor, you may think this is corny but I cant tell you how many times I looked at that armband and gained more motivation and strength from it through out the race. It was like I had Amy urging me on every time I started to flounder. 

Q. As you came from a running background, can you give us an insight into what inspired you to become a cyclist?

A. I was sick of being a team physio watching other athletes performing at their best when all I wanted to do was join them! I wanted to find a sport that best suited my physiological ability and my ability to dedicate, focus and work hard!

Q. From the decision to take up cycling through to where you are today, how would you describe the journey?

A. Amazing... I have had so many special people contribute along the way, it's been tough but i'm enjoying every minute and each challenge has its reward. 

Q. And where do you hope we will see Rachel Neylan 12 months from now?

A. Training for London. In a pro team, performing at the top level and winning races when I am not working hard for a team mate. 

And finally...

Q. If you could only eat one colored food for the rest of your life, which color would you choose, and why??

A. Red - I love strawberries and raspberries.. nature's treats!