Welcome to CCC Introduces, the series where we spotlight our diverse roster of contributors. Next up is Yewande, also known as Yewie. She is a legend in the UK cycling scene, a rowing coach, rider and PHD holder.
From: London
Lives: London
Club/team: Rule 28 x ATP Performance
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Yewande but a lot of people in cycling (and some outside of it) know me as Yewie and I’d say I’m a curious individual who’s usually up for a challenge. I love sports and as a result I ride bikes, I coach rowing and I even managed to focus on wearable technology in sport while doing my PhD.
What do you love about cycling
Switching to cycling as a competitive athlete, I initially loved finding a discipline (track) that I felt was suited to my strengths and that I was good at. A few years down the line and I’m enjoying the variety so much more, like being off-road, as well as being able to see some new places by bike.
What barriers have you faced in cycling
I’ve had people make assumptions about my abilities based on how I look, for example that I must be a sprinter or that I couldn’t be good at climbing. I let people put me in a box and I was pretty unhappy as a result.
Can we talk about how expensive cycling can be? I’m very fortunate to have been given the bikes that I have, but I’m also very aware that I wouldn’t have been able to afford it myself. I enjoy racing too, but when you’re having to take time off work for bigger events, pay race fees and fork out for accommodation or travel then it quickly adds up.
Why were you interested in contributing?
I have a love-hate relationship with writing, but I’ve wanted to do some extended writing for a while. Miles asked me a while ago and I wasn’t ready at the time, but I do want to support this platform and celebrate different voices in the cycling community, while sharing my own experiences within the sport. I like to do things differently sometimes and maybe someone can relate to and take inspiration from that.
Your fondest memory on the bike
The very first time I rode on the track, which happened to be the Olympic velodrome in London. I remember being quite terrified and questioning my choices (which continues to be a bit of a theme) given that I’d never ridden a fixed gear bike. Once I was on the track though, I was in love. I can’t quite describe the feeling I had whizzing around the track, but it was one that made me want to come back for more. If it wasn’t for that then I probably wouldn’t have given cycling a proper chance.
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