The Courage to Trust Myself

Wrapping up the Ardennes Classics spring campaign.

I didn’t manage to share an update right after the final race, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, but in a way I’m glad I waited—because this block was about more than results.

The past months (and honestly, years) haven’t been straightforward. Coming back from injury, navigating blood sugar challenges, and dealing with hormonal imbalances as my body continues to evolve… it’s been a long process of trial, error, and patience.

What shifted for me this spring was something simple, but not easy: I chose to trust myself.

After so many years in professional cycling, I realised that no one understands my body better than I do. So I stepped away from external coaching and took full ownership of my training. That meant listening more closely, being honest with myself, and having the courage to follow my instincts—even when that felt uncertain.

Building into the Ardennes Classics, I started to feel something I hadn’t felt in a while: flow. At Brabantse Pijl, I felt fresh and fully myself again. At Flèche, despite a tough day with my stomach after back-to-back racing, I could still sense that the foundation was there.

And then at Liège, even if the result didn’t reflect it, I knew. I felt strong. I felt capable. The race dynamics didn’t fall in my favor this time—but for the first time in a long while, I walked away not disappointed in my performance, only motivated by what I know is coming back.

That, for me, is a win.

Now, I’m standing at the start of La Vuelta Femenina. A new challenge, just one week later.

This past week has been about balance—recovering enough, but not switching off completely. Staying connected to the body, without overdoing it. It’s a fine line, and one we don’t always get right as athletes.

This race is only seven days, but it’s demanding in its own way. And I’m going into it with an open mind. No rigid expectations—just a willingness to race freely, take opportunities, and trust my instincts.

Because if this spring has reminded me of anything, it’s this:

We spend so much time searching for answers outside ourselves. But sometimes, the real breakthrough comes when we turn inward, trust what we already know, and have the courage to act on it.

Let’s see where that takes me this week ❤️

-- Ashleigh Moolman Pasio