**Podcast Description:**

In this powerful and deeply moving episode, we sit down with Simone Sharpe — a survivor in every sense of the word. Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma at just 15 and later facing the most severe case of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura in South Africa at 18, Simone’s life has been shaped by pain, perseverance, and an unbreakable spirit. From countless rounds of chemo and radiation to a titanium shoulder replacement after developing Avascular Necrosis, her body has endured the unimaginable.

Yet Simone has never stopped pushing limits. Now a mountain biker, triathlete, and member of the fearless Absa #SheUntamed team, she recently completed her first Cape Epic — one of the toughest mountain bike races in the world. Simone shares the raw, emotional highs and lows of the race: the physical collapse, the threat of hospitalisation, the heartbreak of missing a cut-off, and the resilience that brought her back to the finish line.

But this conversation goes beyond sport. We explore body positivity, the danger of tying self-worth to achievement, and Simone’s courageous journey through sobriety. Her honesty, humour, and self-awareness light up this episode as she reflects on the deep 'why' behind her pursuit of extreme challenges — and the shift she feels coming in her life.

The post Simone Sharpe – Survivor, Athlete, and Unstoppable Force first appeared on She Speaks Sport.

Kimberly Coats has been involved in cycling development across the African continent since 2009. Along with her partner, she established the National Cycling Team of Rwanda. Over the years, she has worked in several countries, including Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda. Currently, she is focused on developing the Benin National Cycling Team in partnership with the Benin Cycling Federation. Her primary emphasis is on promoting women’s cycling, and she has sponsored the Women’s Tour du Lunsar twice in collaboration with Team Africa Rising. Recently, she was recognized as one of the 50 Most Influential Women in the Cycling Industry by Escape Collective.

Though Kimberly humbly describes herself as someone who simply "gets girls on bikes," her impact goes far beyond that as a tour de force in the fight for greater opportunities and equality in African cycling. We kick things off with a candid discussion about imposter syndrome and how women can claim their space, make themselves invaluable, and even create jobs where none exist. Kimberly shares her personal journey facing the challenges of a lack of women’s races in Rwanda and the absence of women in cycling decision-making circles. We explore the cultural and societal barriers that women face, including deeply ingrained beliefs around women cycling, from misconceptions about virginity to concerns about women financially supporting their families once they are successful in the sport.

The conversation also dives into the absence of a women’s section in the Tour of Rwanda, despite its long history, and the impressive efforts being made to promote women’s cycling in countries like Benin. Kimberly offers an eye-opening perspective on the upcoming UCI World Championships in Rwanda and the ongoing debate about moving the event to another country.

Throughout the episode, Kimberly Coats challenges the dominant narratives that often portray Africa as a dangerous, overlooked continent, sharing her own powerful experiences working in African cycling and revealing the vibrant and diverse beauty of the continent. Tune in for an insightful, inspiring conversation that sheds light on the struggles, triumphs, and the future of women’s (and mens) cycling in Africa.

The post Kimberly Coats – Developing Cycling in Africa first appeared on She Speaks Sport.

Few can boast a trailblazing road like triathlete and mountain biking champion, Hannele Steyn. Having achieved Springbok colours in biathlon, duathlon, triathlon, road cycling and mountain biking, she is also one of only four individuals to have completed all 20 Cape epic mountain biking events. She has also taken the win in over 15 stages, and the All-African Women’s trophy proudly bears her name. She has represented South Africa in 10 world championships, 11 triathlon world cups and 9 mountain biking world cups. 

In this episode, Hannele Steyn opens up about her remarkable career and the challenges she faced.Born with a hole in her heart and having heard from her teachers that despite her love of sport she lacked the talent to achieve anything significant, Hannele shares how these obstacles fuelled her fire. Discover how this ignited her passion and resilience, and learn why she believes that selfishness can be either a virtue or a vice.

We delve into her love for teaching and mentoring women in mountain biking, the transformative impact of the #sheuntamed initiative empowering more women to take up mountain biking, and she shares her thoughts on the recent 2025 Cape Epic route launch. With wisdom, joy, and a contagious passion for life, Hannele’s story will inspire you to chase your dreams and uplift those around you. Tune in for a conversation that promises to motivate, educate, and celebrate the spirit of athleticism!

The post Hannele Steyn – Blazing a Trail first appeared on She Speaks Sport.

In this podcast episode, I sit down with Yuli van der Molen, a Dutch cyclist whose passion for road and track cycling has been matched only by her incredible resilience. Formerly with the AG Insurance – NXTG U23 team and now with Proximus – Cyclis CT, Yuli’s career took a dramatic turn at the start of 2024 when she was diagnosed with cancer.

Yuli opens up about the heart-wrenching moment she received the diagnosis that would reshape her life and career. At just 20 years old, Yuli has faced the harsh reality of battling Hodgkin lymphoma, a journey that saw her through the darkest days of chemotherapy and a challenging period away from racing. Yuli candidly shares her experiences, from the emotional toll of her diagnosis to the raw reality of her treatment. She reveals the highs and lows of sharing her journey on social media, turning her personal struggle into a source of inspiration for many. Despite the end of her chemotherapy, Yuli discusses the ongoing challenges of recovery and the relentless setbacks she faces.

Driven by her dreams and goals, Yuli talks about the bittersweet process of returning to the bike, reflecting on the invaluable lessons she has learned through this ordeal. Her story is one of unyielding courage and determination, offering a poignant reminder of the strength required to overcome life’s toughest hurdles. Tune in to hear Yuli van Der Molen share her story of perseverance, hope, and the enduring spirit of a cyclist who refuses to give up.

The post Yuli van der Molen- Pedals & Perseverance first appeared on She Speaks Sport.

Mariske Strauss is one of South Africa’s most decorated mountain bikers, having represented the national team over 12 times. She has also been the African champion; the national champion and she represented South Africa at two Commonwealth Games. With numerous wins under her belt, Mariske is skilled at performing in high stress situations whether in a team set up, or self-directed.

On the podcast, Mariske and I take a look at her journey with mountain biking, and how she fell in love with a sport she has competed in for over two decades. Her journey in mountain biking has been about dreaming, believing and acceptance, all truths she unpacks on the show. We also speak about faith and her spiritual life, which has played the most significant role in helping her navigate the hard times. Speaking about hard times, Mariske shares about the diagnosis that shook her world just 18 months ago when she went from being a top athlete to a diagnosis of myocarditis, pericarditis and cystitis. We speak about sponsorships and how her sponsors stayed by her side during her recovery journey and her recent pregnancy and she shares her future dreams, her health update and the joy of being a new mom.

The post Mariske Strauss – Conquering the Trails of Life first appeared on She Speaks Sport.

Join us on an awe-inspiring journey with Letshego Zulu, a name etched in history as the first black woman to conquer the Absa Cape Epic. But her story doesn't stop there. Letshego is a force of nature, a beacon of strength, and a testament to the power of determination. She is also a mother, business woman in outdoor media and the proud owner of Echelon Bike Transport. Her book, "I Choose to Live: Life after losing Gugu," stands as a testament to her courage and resilience in the face of adversity.

The post On the Trail with Letshego Zulu first appeared on She Speaks Sport.

This week, professional cyclist Kim Le Court (Pienaar) joins the show to share her cycling journey. Born in Mauritius, Kim has won the Cape Town cycle tour three times, the Cape Epic, gold medals at the African Games and at the African road Championships and today she races on the Ag Insurance - Soudal team.

The post Mauritian Cyclist Kim Le Court: A Journey of Triumph   first appeared on She Speaks Sport.

Women’s professional cycling has come a long way since I first started watching the sport back in 2009, and over the past year it has made even longer strides. Yet, headlines surrounding gender parity in women’s cycling still remain a stark reminder that more is needed to be done in the sport so many people love and participate in. Which is why I am so thrilled to be welcoming Natascha Knaven - van Ouden, who is the co – founder, sport manager, coach and mentor for the Ag Insurance – Soudal – Quickstep women’s team. Breaking boundaries in the sport through her passion for women’s development in cycling, Natascha is a real “tour de force.”

On the show, we discuss the gap between development cycling and the pro – peloton and how Natascha is bridging that gap through her programs and the U-23 development. We also shine a light on the importance of education, internship and work skill success for all the cyclists on her team and how this impacts sponsorship on the bike. Natascha also shares with us about her four daughters’ cycling journey’s and how she herself came in to the realm of co – founding a team with her husband Servais. What does she think of the Tour de France Femme cycling route for 2024, with its climbs and challenges? And how can the future change for the better when it comes to sponsorships, and equal opportunities for women in cycling? Join us for an exuberant conversation on crucial aspects of women’s cycling.

The post Natascha Knaven Developing Cycling Talent first appeared on She Speaks Sport.

On She Speaks Sport today, I am joined by the incredible, professional road racing champion Ashleigh Moolman Pasio. Ashleigh has worn the South African national road racing and time trial jersey a number of times. She has ridden the Tour de France Femme, the Giro, Strada Bianchi, the Commonwealth Games, the Tour of Romandie, and many more.

The post Empowering Women through Cycling with Ashleigh Moolman Pasio first appeared on She Speaks Sport.