Cyclist Campbell reaches out to team-mates for IWD

TO celebrate International Women’s Day, TT and Team BikeExchange rider Teniel Campbell wanted to find out exactly what each of her new teammates thought about one another; things that they usually may think but not directly say.

In her own unique and inspiring way, Campbell set out to discover her fellow riders on a more personal level and asked each member to share a couple of thoughts, in writing, on their interactions with each other.

“Every human being has a story and a driving force that constantly keeps them going,” Campbell told GreenEDGE Cycling.

“Usually most of these stories are hidden and unknown to the public and those surrounding them, yet, (is) so easy for people to judge an individual without knowing the seed that exists inside, without knowing the adversity they have had to overcome, to blossom into the individual they are today.”

Campbell said that sometimes people face battles caged up inside and do not have a voice because they are afraid of being ridiculed, judged and bullied.

She believes that, in the end, all it takes is for one individual to have the courage to open up and share their story for others to follow suit.

It has only been a few months since Campbell joined Team BikeExchange and she is yet to meet all of her teammates. However, the lanky rider said that she could not help but notice that each of her teammates have a story behind who they are that you can easily draw so much inspiration from.

Team BikeExchange cyclist Ariana Fidanza spoke highly of the Olympic-bound TT national. The pair have a short competitive history together.

The pair met, a couple of years ago, on the circuit and also did some training together, last year, when Campbell was in Bergamo, Italy with pro team Valcar Travel & Service.

“Destiny wanted us to meet again, this time in the team together. We’ve already shared some good fun moments. In my opinion she’s a strong woman, because she left her home country to follow the dreams. “It’s been a long time since she’s away from her family, she continues in her way with courage,” said Fidanza.

The Italian women’s pro cyclist added, “I remember her words when I was in her home in Girona: “you need motivation and you’ve to be strong when you’ve been away from home for a long time”. These words struck me and gave me strength, I understand that she has a lot of power inside.

“I think she’s should be an example for many people. Stay strong and follow your dreams!”

Campbell, however, said that she never knew Fidanza was junior World champion on the track in the points race. Last year, when she was living in Bottanuco, Italy, they bumped into each other quite a few times. Now, they’re on the same team wanting to help and see each other excel.

Campbell said, “We recently had lots of laughs and suffer sessions at our training camp in Girona, Spain. However, in the short space of time of getting to know her more, I can see that she too is fearful, lacks a bit of belief and confidence in her abilities but she is so strong.”

“Her heart’s desire is to win a Classics race and to follow in the footsteps of her father to be a top-class sprinter, which I’m pretty sure she will one day! I invited her to my apartment in Girona for dinner at team camp.

“A very grand meal of avocado, egg, toast for dinner while getting to know each other some more but I am not sure it was an impressive meal for an Italian, I should have gone for chicken Alfredo. In the future, we made a vow to improve!”