Introducing: Eufemia Cabrera-D’Amour

Welcome to CCC introduces, our series spotlighting the incredible contributors who give their time and energy to Cycling Culture Club.

Today, we sit down with Eufemia, from Atlanta, Georgia, vice president of the Metro Atlanta Road Cycling Club.

Socials: @emdamour2021

Tell us about yourself:

Eufemia Cabrera-D’Amour is more than just a mother and a caregiver for her mother and grandmother, she is also a criminal defence attorney, community organiser, a team manager for MACC Racing and Vice President of the Metro Atlanta Cycling Club (MACC). Originally from the South Bronx, New York, she has called Atlanta, Georgia, home for over 20 years. While she remains deeply committed to her legal career, Eufemia often jokes that she now “moonlights” as an attorney, as much of her time and passion is devoted to the cycling community.

She began riding with MACC in 2015, discovering cycling in her 30s without a background in competitive sports. After more than two years of persistence, she broke the 16 mph barrier—a turning point that sparked her growth as a Cat 3 racer. From that moment on, she never looked back. What started as a personal challenge evolved into a transformative lifestyle, giving her not only a competitive outlet but a deep sense of purpose, community, and fulfilment.

What do you love about cycling: 

What I love most about cycling is, first and foremost, the immense sense of freedom. Whenever I get on a bike, the whole world around me has to stop. I can’t think about the cases I’m working on. I can’t respond to texts or emails, and I most certainly can’t answer phone calls. Whether I’m riding for one hour or four, for that time it’s just me, the bike, and whoever chose to come along for the ride.

A close second is the never-ending sense of accomplishment. On the bike, we can always push ourselves to be better. We can always set out—confidently—to reach new heights. Age and gender don’t place a ceiling on a cyclist’s ability to grow. So many people come to cycling later in life and still find incredible success—me.

What barriers have you faced in cycling: 

The first barrier I faced in cycling was financial. I was initially shocked by the cost associated with the sport. Fortunately, I had a strong community around me that showed me how to get started in a more accessible way—beginning with a secondhand bike and learning where to find the essential gear, like kits, shoes, helmets, and other accessories.

The next barrier was overcoming intimidation. At first, I worried about looking the part—whether I had the right gear and the right bike. More importantly, I feared holding other cyclists back while I was still building strength and confidence. I wanted to ride with the “big boys,” but I didn’t want to frustrate them or feel like they had to sacrifice their ride for me. I had some personal work to do but I knew I could accept the challenge.

I quickly realised that this fear wasn’t unique to me—many women in the sport share it. But I also discovered the solution: women can support one another. We can ride together, build each other up, and grow stronger as a community.

If you’re comfortable, tell us about your personal experience of diversity in cycling:

My personal experience with diversity in cycling shows that we still have a long way to go. I firmly believe there is space for everyone in this sport—across gender, race, age, ability, and discipline. But for people to truly feel that space exists, representation matters.

In my experience, cycling—especially racing—has largely been white male-dominated. That reality can make others feel like they have to prove themselves just to be respected within the community. For a long time, I assumed there simply weren’t many women or people of color in the sport. While they may still be underrepresented, I’ve since learned that there are strong, vibrant communities of both.

The challenge is that those communities aren’t always visible in our everyday riding circles. I had to branch out—travel, explore new spaces, and connect with different groups—to truly see the diversity that exists. In doing so, I met incredible women and people of colour who love this sport just as much as I do, if not more.

I’m especially proud that my club’s annual event, the One Love Century, reflects that reality. It’s a powerful example of what cycling can look like when diversity is not only welcomed but celebrated.

Your fondest memory on the bike:

My fondest memory on the bike was the day my club members—especially one with a very persistent cowbell—pushed me to my limit and helped me break my 16 mph barrier.

They boxed me in to give me the best possible draft, and to my left was a clubmate—a randonneur who travels the world just to challenge himself by bike—coaching me every step of the way. All the while, he rang that cowbell in my ear, cheering me on and telling me to “stay in there”.

They believed in me, and after that day, I finally believed in myself.

Where are from: Bronx, New York

Where do you live: Atlanta, Georgia

Are you part of a Club/team: Metro Atlanta Cycling Club