From runner to race favorite: The rise of cycling's successful 'sideways movers'

Paula Blasi, once a Spanish junior champion in the 800 meters, now finds herself a professional cyclist at just 23 years old, competing in the Tour de France. Her athletic journey has been a remarkable transformation, moving from the track to the road after a running injury redirected her focus.

Blasi's introduction to cycling was practical; she bought her first bike as a student when her car broke down, needing a new mode of transport. She initially balanced cycling with running and swimming, even winning Catalan duathlon and triathlon championships in 2024. However, a persistent running injury ultimately steered her toward a full-time career in cycling.

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I'm not going to run this week, my team will kill me.

Her breakthrough in the professional peloton came swiftly this spring with victories at the prestigious Amstel Gold Race and the Vuelta d’Espana. These wins positioned her as a favorite for her Tour de France debut, where she immediately claimed the white jersey for the best young rider on the opening day. Although she lost the jersey during a challenging mountain stage, her performance demonstrates her rapid ascent in the sport.

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The fact that you cycle does not mean you are a cyclist.

Blasi is not an anomaly in the current women's cycling peloton; she is one of many successful athletes transitioning from other sports. Runners, skaters, rowers, canoeists, skiers, and hockey players are increasingly finding their way into professional cycling. This trend raises questions about the development of the sport and the transferable skills that make these athletes competitive.

Jacco Verhaeren, a sports manager, notes that while these athletes often possess strong physical attributes, they must learn crucial "peloton skills," race strategy, and teamwork. Eline Jansen, another successful transfer from speed skating, acknowledges the steep learning curve. "I knew how to pedal hard," she said, "but I wanted to solve everything myself. It took me time to get used to others wanting to close gaps for me."

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I knew how to pedal hard, but I wanted to solve everything myself. It took me time to get used to others wanting to close gaps for me.

Coaches like Larissa Havik observe that many newcomers need to learn pacing and endurance management, as cycling races demand sustained effort over hours, unlike the shorter, more intense efforts common in sports like skating or running. This adaptation is key to their success in the demanding world of professional cycling.

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We had to teach her not to go all out immediately.