A chat with Emma Pooley, Cervélo TestTeam
In just over a week, British climber Emma Pooley of Cervélo TestTeam won three races in three starts. First, she conquered the Mur de Huy for her first Flèche Wallonne victory. Then, in rapid succession she won the Grand Prix Elsy Jacobs with an attack from 20 kilometers out, and the GP de Suisse, a 23.4 kilometer time trial. Pooley is best known for her long breakaways. “They’re my trademark,” she says, and in her typically self-deprecating style adds, “I really don’t have a sprint.”
During the 2009 season, Pooley’s attacking style netted her four world cup wins. She also won two stages and the overall at the Grand Boucle Féminine Internationale and the British national championship in the time trial. With her strength against the watch and climbing talents, the 27 year old Pooley is made for the hilly stage races, and she finished fourth at the 2009 Giro Donne, while supporting Cervélo team-mate Claudia Häusler who won the general classification. “In women’s cycling we don’t really get paid much, we do it for the love of the sport. You have to really want to help your team-mates,” said Pooley of the team dynamic at Cervélo.
Emma Pooley talks about winning Flèche Wallonne, about long breakaways and why they sometimes succeed, and about what it’s like to ride for one of the biggest teams in women’s cycling. After Flèche Wallonne, what comes next? Let’s find out >> podiumcafe.com
Photo: CJ Farquharson