In our latest W3:Story, we asked professional eCyclist Fiona Schröder about her love for cycling, her favorite memory on two wheels, and her thoughts on the current representation of women in cycling.
Hey riders!
We are excited to present another edition of our W3:Stories, where we showcase the inspiring stories of individuals from our community!
Today with professional eCyclist Fiona Schröder! 🚴
Hey Fiona, please introduce yourself
I am Fiona Schröder, an eCycling professional rider and sports management student from Germany. Next to that, I am also currently working in marketing and management positions for various projects.
What motivated you to get into cycling?
Coming from a relatively sporty family, cycling has been a part of my life from an early age on. I started competitive cycling at the end of 2019 and was offered a continental contract for the 2022 season. Riding a bike is just great, both indoors and outdoors. I like the international connections with other riders, officials, brands, and partners that I have made through cycling, especially eCycling.
How does W3:Ride motivate you to be more active?
It’s great to get an additional reward for all my training and racing. Even as a sponsored professional rider, rewards are key!
What is your favorite memory related to cycling?
My favorite memory is the week I spent with my teammates and the races during my first international stage race, Ras na mBan in Ireland.
What are your thoughts on the current representation of women in professional cycling?
It’s great to follow the development of women’s cycling. The media coverage is expanding more and more, races are getting bigger and the attention overall is increasing.
How can we get more women into cycling?
It will take some time, we’re on a good way though. We shouldn’t force it too much in the pro scene because the gap between the teams is getting bigger.
First of all, we need a foundation with young riders, so we need youth races for boys and girls to grow the next generation. eCycling could be one of the keys to that. With some school projects, we have experienced that “move the avatar with physical input aka sports” attracts young kids tremendously. And if we have that key, why not use it?
In general, it could be helpful to establish women’s cycling groups and try to build groups with the same fitness levels (female or mixed groups).
Are there any female cyclists that you admire or look up to, and why?
Sure, I follow most of the stuff related to women’s racing and riding, and I guide women group rides etc. But honestly, as a pro rider most of those “stars” are nothing but friends and/or fellow participants in the same pro rider’s circus that I ride with during training and races.
If I had to name somebody, it would be Mieke Kröger for how down-to-earth and normal she still is, despite winning countless titles, Olympic gold medals, world championships, and so on.
Thank you Fiona for sharing your interesting insights! 💚
Dring Dring!
