Meet Ayesha McGowan, the first Black American woman in pro cycling

By CNN Newswire

‘The thing that we’re working for isn’t just existing in a space, it’s thriving.’

A bike can take you a long way quickly. As well taking you to new places and spaces.

It’s a journey cyclist Ayesha McGowan is experiencing both professionally — and emotionally.

When McGowan chats to CNN Sport she’s on a high from finishing the first leg of an intense training season in Tuscany for the Liv Racing WorldTeam, with her membership as a satellite rider for the 11-person roster announced in February 2021.

“It didn’t feel real until I was on my way to training camp,” says the 34-year-old athlete, who will prepare for the next few months with the goal of racing and becoming a pro road cyclist after August 1.

“I feel very accomplished, but I feel a lot of pressure from myself to push even harder,” she tells CNN.

Finding her feet
McGowan says it’s her stubbornness that has pushed her to become the first Black American woman..

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