As part of our Instagram series with British Olympic mountain biking athlete Evie Richards, we caught up with her to talk about her journey into professional cycling, how women can get into the sport, and how green spaces play a vital role in promoting good physical and mental health. Discover Evie’s favourite memory of cycling in the forest and hear her recommendations of outdoor initiatives that can support women in taking that next step to get into sports.
As a successful professional cyclist, what advice would you give young women who want to pursue a career in sport?
"The importance of sport in the lives of young people is essential on so many levels. As a young woman growing up, I experimented with different sports before finding my love of cycling.
"As a young woman, I raced some speedy girls who went on to achieve successful careers in sports television, cycle coaching for British and Welsh Cycling and media. I would advise young girls to just keep trying until all routes have been exhausted. Sport offers so many diverse career paths; never stop trying until you find your fit."
You keep active outside of cycling. Why do you think maintaining an active lifestyle is so important.
"Maintaining an active lifestyle is a no-brainer. Generally speaking, everyone knows that an active lifestyle is good for both the body and mind. The benefits of staying active throughout your life are often overlooked. We live such busy lives, and it’s easy to let other priorities take over.
"But ultimately, staying active is one of the best investments you can make in your health. Finding the time to prioritise movement is crucial, no matter how busy life gets."
What role do you think nature and green spaces, such as forests, play in promoting good physical and mental health?
"The hills, commons and forests have always given me a sense of adventure and escape. There are fewer distractions, especially from your phone.
"When training, I am naturally working hard which means I am getting fitter, and this in turn helps my mind. I need to get outside and hear nature in its finest form - this goes a long way to helping my own mental health."
Can you share any personal experiences or favourite memories of cycling in forests and how that has impacted your connection with nature?
"I have so many wonderful memories of cycling with my family in so many different forests. I can remember riding in the New Forest as a young girl, and racing for the first time in Button Oak near Bewdley. But my fondest memory was racing in Cannock Chase Forest in the Commonwealth Games of 2022. The arena was packed with supporters, but then we raced through the forest and there were tens of thousands of people, young and old. They were cheering and loving the moment: a great Games, an amazing race and all surrounded by nature."
As a cycling pro, what initiatives or actions can be taken to encourage more women to participate in sports and engage in outdoor activities?
"The British Cycling Go-Ride initiative was key to my early participation in sport. Parkruns, mini enduro races, the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, orienteering and Cyclo-Cross races are also brilliant examples of amazing, widely-available organised sports happening in safe environments across the country.
"I believe that creating these inclusive and affordable opportunities is key to encouraging more women to engage in sports and the outdoors."
Try cycling in the nation's forests
Feeling inspired by Evie to get on two wheels? At Forestry England we have over 2,500 km of cycling trails in our forests just waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re looking for a gentle ride or an adrenaline-filled downhill trail, we’ve got something for you.
