My Story, written by Ella Maclean-Howell
The London Olympic Games were one of the main reasons I started cycling.
My first experience on a track bike was at Maindy velodrome in Cardiff when I was eight, not long after London 2012. I remember going straight down the velodrome, off the track, onto the grass and over my handlebars. The whole experience was a bit intimidating, but I got back up, and I kept going because I loved it.
I ended up joining Maindy Flyers CC after that, and that’s what got me into bike racing. At the time, I was riding alongside the likes of Zoe Bäckstedt, who’s a really exciting rider from our generation. There were a lot of people at that club who helped me to reach the point I’m at today.
As a youth, I thought I was alright, but it wasn’t until I started competing as a junior that I began to think “actually, maybe cycling’s for me”. Like other people my age, I’d only really thought about going to university after school rather than bike racing as a profession. It was only when I came 11th at the 2017 World Championships in Val Di Sole that I thought to myself, “oh, not bad”. Since then, cycling’s been everything for me.
My parents have always supported me and my two brothers whilst we’ve been cycling, and it’s not a cheap hobby to pick up, so I’m hugely appreciative of them for that. They’ve helped the whole way and have always believed in me.
The coaches I’ve had have made a huge difference, too. The Welsh Cycling setup – including the likes of Anthony O’Boyle and John Holt – was one of the reasons why I chose to pursue mountain biking, and it was beneficial to me and many other young Welsh cyclists. Moving onto the British Cycling programme as a junior also had a big impact on my development as a rider.
Preparing to compete in Paris still feels a bit surreal. Watching the Olympics is where my cycling story started, so it’s nice that it’s now about to come full circle when I race in Paris. I’ve gone from looking up to Olympic riders to now racing myself – I think little Ella would be proud!
Aside from getting the Team GB kit – which I love – the thing that I’m most looking forward to is just getting out there and racing. I really like the look of the course, and I think it’ll be fun to ride. I’m also looking forward to being part of the Great Britain ‘bubble’ and spending time watching or chatting to other GB athletes, as you don’t get to do that very often. Going to Paris is going to be such a unique experience!
