#YOUCANTOO⚡️ PAOLA The Super Randonneur

You Can Too: An NGNM series of inspirational stories from everyday women.

In this world of social media and sharing, we often see other women achieving incredible goals and wonder “How did she do it? Could I do it too?” So, we’re here to remind you that yes, #YouCanToo⚡️.

Why? Because those women are just like all of us, with day jobs, families to care for, dreams and projects, and what’s more, they probably came from similar beginnings to us. At some point, we all climbed onto a bike for the first time and committed to something – completing a route, conquering a climb, exploring somewhere new, going further than ever before, and we discovered that we were good at it, that we really adored it, that it made us feel awesome. And this is where we shine!

Over the next few weeks we’re sharing the stories of NGNM Ambassadors – taking a glimpse into their lives, as well as their achievements - to celebrate what they do, to be inspired by their words and to remind you that #YouCanToo⚡️.

This is Paola, originally from Peru, but now living in Italy. Paola is a sales and marketing manager, who somehow finds time to achieve the status of a Super Randonneur. She loves to ride, ride and ride some more. To become a Super Randonneur you must complete a 200, 300, 400 and 600-km ride all in one season. Yes! If you put your mind to it You Can Too!

Keep reading to find out how she got into this ultra-endurance style of riding.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome? - Whether that’s mentally or physically.

Paola: Difficult question because this summer I completed two challenges: Everesting and a Super Randonnee.

What 3 words would you use to describe cycling?

Freedom
Happiness
Sweat

We all have a person who we look up to or inspires us in cycling, who is that person for you?

World Champion road and track cyclist, Lizzie Deignan (Trek-Segafredo).

If you could change one thing about cycling, what would it be?

The fact we have to pedal with cars around us.

What's your "specialty"?

Climbing
Long distance

Do you ride solo? If yes, how did you do it the first time?

Yes sure! It was one of my first rides ever!! And since that time most of the time alone. That day, I just knew how far I wanted to go/ I left home at around 8am and returned after 120km at around 8pm. I returned in the dark without a light, from there I tied myself to this wonderful sport.

You see another woman cyclist coming your way you...:

1. say hello,
2. look the other way,
3. nod
4. scream hell yeah!

Paola: 1. Say hello!👋🏽