06 March 2025
Winning Women: Our Conversation with Rosa van Doorn
At Fulcrum, we have a long tradition of working closely together with a range of riders and teams that span every cycling discipline and terrain type. By partnering with talented athletes for product development, testing, and competition, we’ve also built many strong and ongoing relationships with those who roll with Fulcrum.
For the month of March, we want to turn our attention towards these individuals—specifically, some of the leading women in our current rider roster with a series of weekly interviews. Dive inside our conversation with MTB all-star and current EU and National XCM Champion Rosa van Doorn.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your relationship with Fulcrum?
Hi, I’m Rosa van Doorn, a 23-year-old rider for the Buff-Megamo team. I started mountain biking when I was 18, and since then, I’ve explored many beautiful areas in Europe on my bike. Since January 2024, I’ve been riding for this Spanish team. This is also the first year that I’ve become passionate about Fulcrum wheels. As a mountain biker, I always want to push my limits and trust my equipment. We ride very technical descents and challenging courses, both in training and in races. Fulcrum wheels help me get the best out of myself, like when I won the title at the European Championship.
Cycling is a sport that has seen an increasing number of women taking part over the years. Why do you think that more women are coming into the sport?
I believe more women are finding their way into cycling because they are discovering the strength and freedom that cycling offers. For many women, it’s a way to get fit, meet friends, and simply enjoy nature. Women’s road cycling, mountain biking, and gravel riding are getting more attention on social media, which inspires other women to start cycling. In my hometown, special events and group rides are organized for women, which is fantastic! This way, they can share their experiences with each other, and the community of female cyclists is growing larger.
What do you think are the obstacles that women may still have to overcome to start cycling? What needs to change to remove these obstacles?
There are more men who practice cycling as a sport. I often hear that women don’t know where to start, they lack knowledge about equipment, the costs of gear are high, and there are few specific training opportunities for women. These are obstacles, but I’m convinced that they can be overcome. Events, for example, can help women choose the right equipment, share experiences from avid cyclists/competitors, and create training/cycling communities. Generally, I hear that women often enjoy going on adventures together rather than alone.
What do you think cycling brands need to do to render the environment even more inclusive?
Cycling brands can help make cycling more accessible to women by specifically addressing their needs. For instance, they can design special products tailored to the needs of female riders, such as bikes with extra comfort and gear that fits women’s body sizes. Cycling brands can also contribute to increasing the visibility of women in the sport in a simple way, such as on Instagram or by promoting the Tour de Femmes. When I watch the Tour de Femmes, for example, I get really excited and inspired, even though my heart lies with mountain biking. Brands can also invest in programs that encourage young people and women to start cycling.
Is there a message that you want to share with all the girls or women who have never considered cycling as a sport or a profession?
To all the women who are unsure if cycling is for them: go for it! There are always groups willing to help when you start cycling. Cycling is my way of relaxing through exertion. After a tough training session, I feel physically and mentally stronger. I always have stories to tell when I get back from a ride. Cycling is a sport for everyone because you can ride leisurely, train hard, go on social rides with a coffee stop, discover new places, and push your limits. The most important thing is to do what you enjoy, keep exploring, and enjoy the moment.
And perhaps one for the men who could do something to facilitate women’s access to the cycling world?
Men can definitely help motivate women. Encourage women to join you on rides, share experiences, and help them choose the right gear. It’s always fun to share experiences and learn from others. Personally, I also train a lot with men. Everyone is always very respectful, supportive, enthusiastic, and I feel very welcome. I get a lot of energy from riding with a group of men!
A special thanks to Rosa for chatting with us—and for riding with Fulcrum. Stay tuned for the next interview in our ongoing series, coming soon!
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