Meet the riders: Olivia O'Brien, Longevity
Olivia O'Brien is an Associate Director at team sponsor Longevity. She is back to tackle Knight Frank Cycle to MIPIM for the second year running, with some excellent advice on what is needed to pull you through if you're struggling on a stage...
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you’re working on right now:
Hello! I’m Olivia (or Liv, or Livy, depending on which of my LinkedIn, email or Strava profiles you follow most actively). I’m an Associate Director at Longevity Partners, leading our business unit on Climate Resilience – assisting our global real estate and infrastructure clients on how to identify, quantify, manage and report on climate-related risks at the asset, portfolio and/or corporate level.
How long have you been cycling and how did you get into it?
I’m a comparative newbie to the cycling world but one that has been absolutely hooked! I always enjoyed cycling as a child and took it up again as a commuting tool when I first moved to London, but it was only really during lockdown that I started going on rides “for fun” again, partly due to being a bit bored of running the same loops around my house and wanting to venture further afield, and partly due to injury. Jump forward to 2021, I got my first “proper” bike (a trusty Gravel, lovingly known as “Marty the Marin”), had been on a couple of 50kms and thought the logical next step was of course to take on the length of France! I’ve now got more bikes and gear than I care to admit, have taken part in Cycle to MIPIM, pedElle, and numerous other industry rides, sportive and race events since then, and loved every second of it.
What did you most enjoy about the times you have ridden Cycle to MIPIM previously?
It’s hard to pick just one thing! But I would say the sheer adventure of it all, shared with wonderful(ly crazy), like-minded people, from those riding to those making it all happen.
What are you most looking forward to this time?
Being able to give back to the Club Peloton community as a Ride Captain this time round and contribute in some way to the first-time riders in my team having the same incredible experience as I did… and hopefully some sunshine!
Anything you are dreading?
Another 2022 Day 5 Stage 5…IYKYK.
What is so enduring about this relay challenge that makes people come back year on year?
The Cycle to MIPIM is unlike any other event I’ve taken part in (aside from pedElle, of course). From a cycling perspective, there is something so special about a point-to-point – particularly one that involves traversing an entire country. The magnitude and challenge of the route is unparalleled. But of course, it is so much more than “just a cycle”. The people that take part each year really pull you through and allow you to form links beyond simple work-place networking. You forge long-lasting connections and memories that will stay with you for a long time.
Any top tips for new riders?
As mentioned, it’s the people that I found really pulled me through my first time. My favourite stages were the ones where there was, naturally, a bit of networking, but then non-stop chat about our backgrounds, hobbies, and favourite Taylor Swift songs, to name a few (the latter topic not mandatory but highly recommended for endless hours of content and the odd singalong). Everyone that takes part on the ride is exceptional and has a fantastic story to tell, and I guarantee that any challenging segments are soon made much easier when you’re laughing away together!
And double bibs/endless layers of chamois cream in the early days – a winning tip I will gladly pass on!
What changes does your business expect to see over the next year?
Sustainability has been becoming ever more of a hot topic, particularly since COVID-19. With growing legislation and investor pressure towards ESG in real estate, I am hopeful that the industry continues to see positive change at both the asset and strategic level. Given the built environment is responsible for 40% of total carbon emissions and climate-related disasters are becoming more prevalent and severe year on year, encouraging risk assessments to determine the resiliency of both the existing stock and a business as a whole is fundamental to curb further change.
We've very glad to have Olivia back, and this time as a Ride Captain. You can find her fundraising page here.
