Inspired by the Collective

As I’ve shared many times before, the last few years haven’t been easy. There have been setbacks, disappointments, injuries, moments of doubt, and plenty of people telling me that maybe my time at the front of the peloton was over. That I’m getting older. That the level has changed too much. That coming back would be impossible.

But one thing this sport has taught me is that progress is never linear. Sometimes the biggest victories happen long before the finish line — in the quiet moments where you decide to keep believing, keep showing up, and keep fighting even when nobody else can see the bigger picture yet.

Honestly, so much of that fighting spirit has been inspired by the Rocacorba Collective.

Every day I see members of this community pushing through their own challenges, chasing goals, balancing life and training, overcoming setbacks, and continuing to believe in themselves. Watching your progress, your resilience, and your love for the sport has genuinely motivated me through some very difficult periods.

There were many moments where the support from the Collective reminded me why I kept going. Your messages, encouragement, and shared passion for cycling helped me continue believing that I could find my way back to this level again.

Standing on the podium again in the mountain jersey at La Vuelta felt emotional for that reason. Not because it’s the final destination, but because it’s a reminder that persistence matters. Faith matters. Hard work matters. And sometimes the journey back makes these moments even more meaningful.

Now, heading into today’s stage, I’m incredibly motivated to fight again for the mountain points.

On paper, today looks like the perfect stage for a breakaway. But cycling is never that simple. Because I’m feeling strong and still close on GC, it’s unlikely the peloton will easily let me go up the road. Maeva, however, has already lost some time, so the situation could play out differently for her.

Our goal is to keep things together until the first QOM at 19.5km, and from there we’ll need to adapt to the race situation as it unfolds. That’s the beauty of racing — you can make plans, but instinct, teamwork, and timing always play a role.

What I do know is that I’m going into this stage with belief, motivation, and gratitude.

And a huge part of that comes from this community.

Thank you for continuing to ride this journey with me.

-- Ashleigh Moolman Pasio