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Podcast: The problematic ‘should’ word with Ruth Edwards

Back in the WorldTour and back on podiums, Edwards talks us through knowing when to rest and knowing when to race.

Ronan Mc Laughlin
by Ronan Mc Laughlin 08.03.2024 Photography by
Dr Tim Podlogar
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After two years at home racing the Life Time Grand Prix and working coaching and bike fitting roles, Ruth Edwards is back in the WorldTour peloton and already back on the pro road podium. We sat down with Ruth in Adelaide just days after her first WorldTour race back at this year’s Tour Down Under in January to discuss all things returning to professional road racing.

We kick start the conversation deciding this is not a “comeback” but merely a return from sabbatical. Ruth talks us through the whys of needing to walk away from the WorldTour, why gravel is not for her, and why ultimately the lure of a road return was too much to ignore. We discuss the process of determining if a return is the right idea, setting goals with no idea where your level is, and process for mitigating the challenges that ultimately led to her needing a break just over two years ago.

Ruth explains why you do things because you want to, not because you should and how the rapidly changing landscape of pro racing was a major motivation in wanting to return.

Performance Process is an Escape Collective member’s only podcast. You can listen to part of the episode via the player below. If you want to listen to the full show and all future episodes, you can sign up here.

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