Introducing: Jess Van Droogenbroeck

From: Uganda + Belgium

Lives: London

Social: @jessvandroogenbroeck

A warm welcome to Jess! One of the first triathletes among our CCC contributors. Jess is straight off the back of her first gravel race at the Traka and deep in Ironman 70.3 training, but she found the time to sit down with us and chat about diversity and cycling.

Tell us about yourself:

I’m Jess and I am a cyclist/triathlete based in London. I am half Belgian, half Ugandan but have been based in London for the past 10 years. I am a management consultant by day and spend most of my weekends out on the bike.

What do you love about cycling:

I originally got into cycling during Covid lockdown as a need for freedom and a quiet space for myself. But since then it has led me to so many new friendships with like minded individuals. Cycling consistently teaches me about myself, to believe in my ability and push myself to break whatever barriers.

What barriers have you faced in cycling:

For me it was feeling like I didn’t have a ‘space’ in cycling. I only cycled solo for the longest time because I wasn’t sure how I fit into a club, especially being a white male dominated space. I soon realised that I was holding myself back with this mindset and if you feel like you don’t belong in a space then there is an opportunity to create your own.

Why were you interested in contributing?

I want to show people that have a similar mindset to me prior to getting into the sport that there is a space for everyone.

Your fondest memory on the bike

It's hard to name one specific memory but my most recent trip to Mallorca has filled me with so many good moments on the bike with friends. I am beyond grateful for the places and people cycling has brought me too.