Meet the riders: Alex Soltynski, Knight Frank
While Alex Soltynski has ridden with Club Peloton before, this will be her first Knight Frank Cycle to MIPIM. She already has a good handle on the essentials: the power of training with others, and the importance of Jelly Babies.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you're working on right now:
I’m a partner in Knight Frank’s Project & Building Consultancy team, looking after client relationships for our building surveyors, project managers, cost consultants and engineers. The team is in a really exciting place at the moment, working on a few high profile refurbishment schemes, fit outs and client portfolios. We're also expanding our service lines to provide clients with a more holistic offering, details of which we’ll be sharing soon!
How long have you been cycling and how did you get into it?
Just over six years ago, as I approached a birthday with a ‘0’ on the end, I decided that year was going to be the year of doing all those things to which I’d said, “I’ll do that one day”. The BCO ride (Copenhagen to Berlin) was on the list, and so I jumped cleat-first into all things cycling.
How did you get involved in Cycle to MIPIM?
I have one very persuasive colleague! I have flirted with the idea of signing up over the years, but always considered it was for ‘proper cyclists’. I was persuaded in a moment of weakness to sign up… and I am SO pleased I have. The training hasn’t really been as wet and cold as I anticipated, and I’ve met a really brilliant and supportive group on the training rides who I’m so grateful for.
What are you most looking forward to?
Getting going! I’ve met a few people already in my team (Team SLR) and I know a few others from the industry and/or other Club Peloton rides, but getting to meet and go through the pain and joy with others will be an unforgettable experience. And if we can smash last year’s fundraising total, even better.
What are you dreading?
Nothing really, although of course I’m not looking forward to running flat on energy on an ascent (in the rain, with a headwind).
How are you approaching training?
I’m cycling to the office a few times a week, and two rides on the weekends (one longer, one shorter). I’m also noting what works for me regarding nutrition, which has really made a big difference to how much effort I’m able to put into training.
Any top tips you’ve picked up that you’ll take with you on the ride?
Jelly Babies! Getting nutrition right is key. The biggest danger for me is being tempted to eat too much on the stops – the food provided by Club Peloton is always top notch, but overeating can mean less lung capacity for the hills.
What would you most like to get out of the event?
Meeting a new bunch of industry friends: there’s nothing quite like the bond made over smelly kit and helmet hair after a day in the saddle.
We wish Alex the best of luck on her first Knight Frank Cycle to MIPIM. You can find Alex's JustGiving page here.
