Kate Courtney, a renowned mountain biker and XCO World Champion, is making a bold transition to road racing, signing a two-and-a-half-year contract with FDJ United-Suez. This move marks a significant shift for the 30-year-old athlete, who has been on a quest to explore new challenges and push her boundaries. With a background in off-road racing and a foundation dedicated to empowering women in sports, Courtney's journey to the WorldTour is an inspiring tale of ambition and determination.
In this exclusive interview, Courtney shares her thoughts on the transition, the reasons behind her choice of team, and her goals for the future. She discusses the unconstraining of her thinking, the call from Tanner Putt, and the curiosity that sparked her interest in road racing. Courtney's journey is a testament to her adaptability and her desire to explore new horizons.
One of the key factors in her decision to join FDJ was the team's culture of excellence and teamwork. The team's high-performance program and its commitment to storytelling and inspiring the next generation resonated with Courtney. She sees this as an opportunity to learn from the best and contribute to team success, even if it means facing challenges in securing a spot at big races.
Courtney's transition to road racing is not just a physical challenge but also an emotional one. She reflects on the risks she took with She Sends Racing, an entrepreneurial venture that taught her valuable lessons. Despite the challenges, she is determined to push herself to the edge of what is achievable and to leave a lasting impact on the sport.
As she embarks on this new chapter, Courtney is eager to explore her potential on the road and to contribute to the team's success. She views this as a unique opportunity to bet on herself and to give back to the next generation. With a supportive team and a clear vision, Courtney is ready to take on the challenges of road racing and to make her mark on the WorldTour.
