Catherine Colyn secures semifinal spot for Canyon-SRAM contract

South Africa’s Catherine Colyn has, for the second consecutive year, reached the Canyon-SRAM/Zwift Academy semifinals.

Nearly 9 000 women participated in the virtual workouts and the 22-year-old was one of just 10 to make it to the semifinals, it was revealed on social media recently.

This brings her a step closer to winning a contract with the international team in Girona, Spain, for next year.

“I’m extremely grateful to have received this opportunity to be in the top-10 and to fight for a place in the finals,” said the former U23 national road champion.

To reach the semifinals Colyn had to complete eight indoor workouts, which consisted of max tests, structured interval sessions as well as either four group rides or races. It was advised that she do at least one race.

At the time of her interview Colyn had completed five of the semifinal sessions, with two remaining.

“I’ve been feeling good during the sessions and I’ve been following them to perfection,” she said.

Colyn, who enjoyed a stint with the Donna Aevolo team in the United States earlier this year, said last year the testing period was still on just after she finished a big block of preparation for the Colorado Classic.

“I went from really great form and racing at altitude to the Zwift testing period and I was able to carry that form into the semifinals testing.

“I can feel from racing abroad this year that I have gained a new depth of mental strength and that has for sure been a strong asset for me during the sessions.

“So if I must compare it to last year I’m in much better shape. Last year I got food poisoning as the testing series started and I was always on the back foot with every session that I did. This year I’m focused on every session I do and I approach it with confidence.”

The Team Bioplus Customized rider added that it would mean the world to her if she was one of the three girls selected to advance to the finals.

“It would mean that I’m busy knocking on the door to all my dreams coming true.

“In this sport it’s very difficult to have a door open up for you, especially if you come from South Africa. This is what makes this academy so special – it opens up the door of professional cycling to anyone from anywhere in the world.”

She added that her biggest dream of all was to race with a WorldTour team and this academy was the closest she had come to having that opportunity present itself.

“This is something I want with every fibre in my body. It will be a life-changing opportunity.

“I’ll be based in Europe for the racing season and will be racing on one of the best women’s professional cycling teams in the world. I’ll be lucky enough to learn from the best in the world.”

The other semi-finalists are Canada’s Olivia Baril, Ireland’s Imogen Cotter, Sweden’s Nathalie Eklund, the USA’s Veronica Ewers and Emily Gass, New Zealand’s Ione Johnson, Mary Kate McCarthy and Samara Sheppard, and Australia’s Jessica Pratt.

The three finalists will be chosen next week.