For many, the trajectory in professional sport looks like a straight line towards that longed-for finish line. But life, often guides us down unexpected paths, revealing new horizons where passion can blossom in surprising ways.
My childhood was surrounded by the vibrant energy of sport, a family legacy that took deep root in my being. For three years, the bicycle became my everything, a vehicle for the thrill of competition, for pushing my limits with my sights set on turning professional. That aspiration became a reality in the brief but significant year when the doors of the Hess Cycling Team swung open for me. That opportunity came with its difficulties, my online law studies intertwined between the moments of a steely discipline that forged the person I am today.
However, the relentless rhythm of professional competition began to resonate in a way that didn’t quite align with my long-term professional aspirations. With courage, I decided to rethink my path. It was at this turning point I was glad I connected with Hess Sports Group. Their view went beyond my identity as a cyclist, recognising in me a rich background and a set of transferable skills, particularly in the world of social media and photography.
The transition to digital marketing and social media management was a challenge, a new circuit to explore. My only previous contact with this industry was sharing snippets of my own life on my personal accounts. Doing it for a professional cycling team was a challenge of considerable proportions. But how could I resist the allure of a new obstacle to overcome? The Hess Sports Group team became my unwavering support, offering me training, providing me with the platform to work on real projects within a field that sparked my curiosity, and, above all, placing an inspiring confidence in my capacity to learn and evolve.
Furthermore, I felt deeply valued as a woman in a sector that, despite the growing female presence, still has strides to make towards full equality. Hess Sports Group is a strong advocate for equal opportunities, and my worth was based on my talent and my dedication, without my value being measured solely by my prowess on a bicycle.
Now, as the Hess Cycling Team’s Social Media Manager, I have the opportunity to use my unique perspective, forged in two years of pedalling alongside those who are now my colleagues, and my passion for sport to build connections with audiences, create communities, and give a voice to the athletes who share my story and to the brands that support our project’s growth. It’s a dynamic and creative universe that captivates me and where each day brings new learning opportunities.
My journey from cycling to social media management hasn’t been a straight, paved road without any detours. I’ve learned that in a constantly evolving world, unexpected opportunities arise, jobs I could never have imagined. And yes, admitting that my dream of being a professional cyclist led to a pressure that wasn’t for me was an act of courage, but the value this team has given me has allowed me to see that happiness is a personal journey and that one person’s goals aren’t always another’s. I am immensely grateful for this opportunity and excited about the future, because I know that, even though this wasn’t the initially charted course, today I find myself where I want to be, valuing each day the fortune of working in an environment where I’ve never felt diminished for not fitting the mould of competitive pressure.