Introducing: Kaya Simon

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

Today we head to London, meeting Kaya Simon. Sport Rehabilitator, Osteopath, freelance writer, and someone who went from knowing very little about carbon and lycra to working at Paris-Roubaix and the World Championships in the space of two years.

Follow Kaya on Instagram: @osteokaya

Words: Kaya Simon

Tell us about yourself

I'm Kaya, a Sport Rehabilitator and Osteopath working in professional road and mountain biking. I have always loved sports, and growing up I participated in various things from netball and rugby to athletics, trail running, and martial arts.

In 2024, I got sucked into the elite cycling world through good timing and knowing the right people, and since then my involvement in the sport has only continued to grow.

I split my time working for the Great Britain National Team, primarily with their mountain bike programme, as well as occasionally getting to work with the BMX and road squads too. Alongside this, I spend a large amount of my days working for the American pro road team, Modern Adventure Pro Cycling.

In just a couple of years, I went from being rather clueless about this world of carbon and lycra to being involved at the highest levels, supporting riders at some of the biggest races in the world, from Paris-Roubaix to the World Championships. Amidst all the races, I also have a love for writing, which has manifested into a role as a freelance writer for the cycling news outlet Escape Collective. I have a particular interest in women's health and performance, as well as injury management and training in endurance sports.

What do you love about cycling?

Cycling attracts people who are dedicated and truly passionate about the sport. The majority of people I know who work in cycling are there because of a pure love of it, despite everything it asks of you.

Those of us who work in the sport- soigneurs, mechanics, coaches and even the riders themselves- we're spending so many days away from home, away from our friends and family. But we do it because we know what it means to be a part of a sport with so much history and gravitas, and such an integral part of a team.

And in a way, that same logic extends to everyone who rides a bike. Even though 99% of us will never ride a Grand Tour or race at the highest level, we put ourselves through pain and suffering because beneath all of that is, in actuality, pure enjoyment.

I also love the community. From your local group rides and clubs to the crowds of fans you see at races. Everyone is there because they love the sport and what it does for them.

What barriers have you faced in cycling?

Two things we all wish we had more of: time and money. I would love to ride my bike more, but I just don't have as much time as I'd like, as I'm usually working or recovering from working (self-confessed workaholic here).

Second, there is no secret that cycling is not a cheap sport, particularly these days, and I find it easy to make excuses such as I don't feel like I have the right kit or tyres or wheels or XYZ. I'm starting to accept that wanting things is fine, as long as I remember that what I want isn't necessarily always what I need.

Why were you interested in contributing?

I love writing, I love cycling, and I love what the CCC community has been achieving. Authentic voices in media and sports are more important than ever, and I believe the more conversations we have about diversity and inclusivity in sport, the more normal it becomes.

Being a South Asian woman, I am part of a demographic that has historically had some of the lowest rates of participation in sport overall. I am proud to be a representative of this group, as well as representing women and people of colour in an industry that is predominantly white and male-dominated.

Tell us about your personal experience of diversity in cycling

I'm lucky that living in one of the most diverse cities in the world has meant I've had access to some incredible clubs and groups who champion diversity and inclusion. However, my experience of working in cycling has been rather different.

It is not uncommon for me to be the only person of colour on the staff at a race, and I can recall times when we have shared hotels with two, three, or more teams and I have failed to spot another POC, let alone a woman of colour, anywhere.

Your fondest memory on the bike

Last year I did my first race, the infamous Rapha Muddy Hell at Herne Hill Velodrome. I love cyclocross and off-road riding because of how variable and dynamic it is, and that race was just buckets of fun.

There were some amazing costumes and the spectators were unreal. It was the perfect environment for my first race because everyone was there just to have fun. I was pretty gassed on the last lap, and I fully stacked it trying to hop a hurdle in the beer tent. I'll never forget the cheers from everyone in the tent as I clambered back on my bike. Amazing vibes.

Where are you from: Born in Colombo, raised in London

Where do you live: London

Are you part of a club/team: I don't ride regularly with a club, but I love attending the Women's off-road and cyclocross sessions at Herne Hill Velodrome. Meg Joy-Barclay and the team there are so incredibly friendly and always put on the most fun evenings. I encourage everyone to try it out!