Louise Ryde -Athlete Ambassador

Have you always been into sport?

Yes I have always been into sport. Started with football playing at a high level at that time for Liverpool, Everton and Doncaster Belles. I started cycling about 7 years ago and quickly became hooked and have since won numerous races and represented GB in the UCI amater World Championships.

How did you first get into triathlon?

Got into triathlon accidentally really in 2019, entering a short sprint race after starting front crawl lessons. I spluttered through the swim, was in my element in the bike leg and limped/shuffled through the run but I won my age category and was only seconds off the overall third lady. I loved it and soon started working on my run and swim to match my bike which I am really enjoying.

If you are interested in getting into Triathlon, Sundried's kit is suitable for beginners as well as seasoned athletes. We have both men's and women's options available. 

What has been your favourite race to date and why?

I have many races that I have been successful in, including an eighth place at the UCI Worlds in Varese a couple of years ago but my favourite race was the Miguel Indurain where I was first woman in 2018. I had known that it was THE Miguel Indurain six time Tour de France winner’s race in his home town and that he was going to be there to hand out the podium winners. I remember dreaming of standing there receiving my winners medal from him but didn’t really believe it could be me. I was wrong and when my name was called as first It was unbelievable!

What is your proudest achievement?

Can’t decide between overall fastest time at Cambridge qualifiers in 2017 where I was pleased with winning my age group then was told I had actually finished faster than all female age groups. I had worked so so hard to stay in the group after falling back on some short hills, but I was really proud of how I had refused to give up and claw my way back. Of course finishing eighth in the 2018 Worlds is high on my list but I always have that aching feeling that I was only seconds off a podium place!

Have you ever had any racing disasters?

Not too many disasters but I had quite a traumatic race in my first UCI Worlds in Albi France 2017 when I was doing really well in the race and was struck by the worst cramp I had ever had in my quads!! I literally fell off the bike to relieve it, but I got back on to finish top 20. I was of course really disappointed but learned ALOT about hydration after that.

How do you overcome setbacks?

Setbacks are hard and I have mentioned the Worlds in Albi France, however this time last year I had to stop training to have an operation to remove a mole on my back, it was a worrying time and together with the COVID lockdown it really affected me and like many others I suffered some anxiety and motivation was difficult. I am happy to say that I was able to overcome my anxiety and motivate myself through sport and it was, and still is, my training that helps me through difficult times. I think that I saw training, and improving my running as something THAT I HAD control over and it kept me focused. So, control what you can control, this has enabled me to carry on training and stay motivated in these recent difficult times.

What advice do you wish you'd been given when you first started out?

Advice I wish I had been given..... I think, “don’t over do it, more is not always better. “

What are your goals?

My main goal now is to become a better triathlete and to do this I have to work on my weaknesses which are running and swimming. If I can do this I can do well in the Ironman World Championships in Utah this year. Eventually I want to complete a full Ironman in a good time.

Who inspires you?

This is such a difficult question to pin it down to one, or even two people. People who achieve things through adversity inspire me, my friends inspire me. I often watch footage of Ironman events, Kona for example, and it gives me goose pimples when I see those late 17 hour finishers get the words of Mike Riley over the tannoy as they cross the line. This inspires me to hear Louise Ryde, you ARE an Ironman sometime in the future.

Why work with Sundried?

Sundried stood out for me initially as I really liked the look of the product. Being a cyclist I LOVE my cycling gear. There is so much out there in terms of sports gear that is sooo expensive and I was pleased to find that Sundried kit is sensibly priced and outstanding value for the quality of product you get. I LOVE my new Tri kit I ordered.

Then when reading the information about the brand I learned about the importance it gives to eco systems and it really tipped my consciousness. Now I have tried out my first product, the Pro Tri Suit I am over the moon with the quality and can honestly say I am pleased and proud to be an ambassador. I am looking at my next order right now. 

To hear more from our ambassadors and get free tips on workout plans and more, connect with the Sundried Personal Trainers on our app.