Meet the riders: Kate Watson, SLR

Kate Watson is  a Sustainability Consultant at SLR. This is her first Knight Frank Cycle to MIPIM, having done Cycle to UKREiiF in 2025, and she is looking forward to riding in the Alps and the quieter French roads.

Tell us about yourself and what you’re working on right now:

I am working on a number of very different projects at the moment, from assessing the socio-economic impact of a new hydrogen pipeline in England, to working with local authorities to assess the sustainability of their Local Plans.

How did you get involved in Cycle to MIPIM?

I took part in the Cycle to UKREiiF in May of last year and have since had the opportunity to take part in a number of rides organised by Club Peloton. SLR are one of the sponsors for Cycle to MIPIM, and I was offered a space to take part which I gratefully accepted.

What are you most looking forward to?

The Alps and smooth, traffic-free roads in France.  

What are you dreading?

The lack of sleep, early alarms and inevitable wind and rain.

How are you approaching training?

I have tried to get out on the bike as much as possible over winter and doing longer rides on the weekends. I live in Sheffield and do a lot of fell running in the Peak District so I have kept that going and added the cycling miles on top.

Any top tips you’ve picked up that you’ll take with you on the event?

I have been told that sleep deprivation is the hardest part, so a power nap each day is key.

What would you most like to get out of the event?

To meet new people and to challenge myself to something difficult. And most of all to enjoy it!

What does the fundraising mean to you?

All of the money that the event raises is going to have a tangible impact on the lives of children and young people. Knowing this has really helped when motivation to train has been low over winter and will spur us all on when we are riding down to Cannes.

You can sponsor Kate here.