Meet the riders: Roz Smith, Connected Kerb

Connected Kerb is one of the UK’s leading charging point providers, delivering future-proof, cost-effective and sustainable EV charging solutions for the public sector, developers, fleets, workplaces, car parks and other organisations to help accelerate the transition to EVs for all. It is also the first sponsor of the Knight Frank Cycle to MIPIM kit from Le Col. 

We speak to one of Connected Kerb's four riders, Roz Smith, to find out her thoughts on the upcoming charity relay. 

Welcome to Knight Frank Cycle to MIPIM 2023. We’re very pleased you’re joining us for this epic relay from London to Cannes. First of all, tell us a little bit about yourself. 
My name is Roz Smith and I’m a Project Manager for Connected Kerb. It’s a fast paced and demanding role, organising the installation of electric vehicle chargers along residential streets and car parks to get closer to the UK’s zero carbon goals. I’ve been in the EV construction industry for 5 years now with a background in ICP work and grid connections. 

How did you get involved in Cycle to MIPIM?
Connected Kerb communicated that they were looking for another team member to join the company’s ride team and I thought this was an irresistible challenge for someone who has only previously cycled infrequently with multiple pub/cafe stops along the way! Also – there had to be a girl on the team so it was a no brainer to throw my hat into the ring. 

What are you most looking forward to?
I’m most looking forward to meeting all the other riders along the way as I think this will be an amazing experience. I am also looking forward to the scenery that we’ll be encountering along the way.

What are you dreading?
The hills! I’ve done plenty of training to build up some endurance, but this has been fast tracked to say the least. I am obviously not looking forward to the discomfort of sitting in a saddle for 6+ hours a day...

Tell us a bit about your cycling background:
I competed as a junior in Triathlon to a national level but cycling was always my weakest element, and since the age of 14 I have only been cycling infrequently so Cycle to MIPIM is the furthest I’ve ever even considered riding, let alone signed up to. I moved house last year and joined TriSudbury, which has gotten me back into the swing of training and I have really enjoyed getting back out onto the roads again. 

How are you approaching training?
My training plan has been in full swing with 5 or 6 sessions planned in a week, completely putting into practice my fellow TriSudbury members’ knowledge and tips. I have been thoroughly enjoying the training despite some sessions forcing me out into questionable January weather conditions...

Any top tips you’ve picked up that you’ll take with you on the ride?
Food and hydration are key!

What would you most like to get out of the event?
To the end...! I think it will be a huge achievement for me personally to get through the route - by far the furthest I will ever have ridden. 

What are the changes at Connected Kerb do you expect to see over the next year?
Connected Kerb is well into the scale-up phase so I am excited to see new faces within the business and the experiences that they bring to the team. 

Find Connected Kerb's sponsorship page here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/connectedkerbridetomipim