Meet the Cycle to MIPIM rider: Jess Taylor, Evolve
Jessica Taylor, from Evolve, is a pedElle stalwart and Ride Captain. This year, she's joining Knight Frank Cycle to MIPIM 2023 for the first time. We caught up with her to find out what she's looking forward to and what she's dreading as she approaches "the big one".
First of all, tell us a little bit about yourself:
I'm an Associate Structural Engineer at Evolve. We're a 30-strong team of structural and civil engineers, working on projects across all sectors and a range of sizes, across London and the UK. I've been with Evolve around two and a half years.
What appealed to you about doing the charity relay? / How did you get involved?
I've ridden various other Club Peloton events, including pedElle and the ride to the BCO Conference in Manchester last year, but this is "the big one". I've wanted to take part for just about as long as I've known about it, so I'm really excited!
What are you most looking forward to?
Getting to know everyone and sharing the highs (and lows, let's be realistic) with new friends.
What are you dreading?
The lack of sleep, particularly getting to bed later than I would like given the early starts.
Tell us a bit about your cycling background?
I've ridden a bike for as long as I can remember: in fact, my dad takes full credit for my love of the sport. However I've been a "proper" (lycra clad) cyclist since getting my first road bike in 2016. As well as road riding, I have dabbled in track cycling and love zipping around town on my Brompton!
How are you approaching training?
Fitting in as many rides as I can, which has been exhausting around work and home life! I'm not saying "no" without a very good reason, including torturous sessions on the indoor trainer. I'm also trying to commute as much as possible, which helps to keep up the midweek miles.
Any top tips you’ve picked up that you’ll take with you on the ride?
Eat as much as possible, including while riding. I'm looking forward to that one! And I'll be trying out some recovery protein shakes, to help my muscles recover from long consecutive days.
What would you most like to get out of the event?
Making new friends and connections and helping others, particularly newer riders, achieve more than they think they are capable of.
What are the changes at Evolve do you expect to see over the next year?
It’s going to be a fantastic year for Evolve as it’s our 21st birthday! We’ve undertaken a top-to-bottom strategy review of the company in order to map out a new path for the future and we are now moving forward in a very exciting direction. Keep your eyes peeled for more updates!
You can sponsor Jess here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/jessica-taylor-1669286237687
