Nicola Rutzou
Melbourne cyclist Emily Dixon edged out her rivals in the Zwift Academy earlier this year to earn herself a place in the development squad of women’s pro team CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto.
Dixon was one of four female riders selected to test with the team for the coveted place after participating in the 2024 Zwift Academy, which saw over 100,000 cyclists participate between 5 August and 3 November last year.
BA: Those tests you did in the Zwift Academy final looked really hard. Were they as difficult as they appeared?
Hard is an understatement. We didn’t know what we were in for, and on each of the four days, we found out in the morning what we would be doing each day. Just four days we were.
I think it was designed so you couldn’t consult your coach, so you figured it out yourself, which was challenging. I had a lot of self-doubt, so it tested me a lot, mentally and physically. You have to really believe in yourself, know you are there for a reason, and push really hard to get through.
I am quite a motivated person, and with a contract on the line, I found that little bit extra. In that situation, you can find 2% more if you really push it.
BA: Was it fun having a fellow Aussie in Emma Ochoa in the competition finals?
Yes, Emma and I started racing at a similar time, so we’ve kind of grown up together. It was really special, seeing each other to be there through the ups and downs. It was nice meeting the other girls too, who were both gorgeous.
This has been an amazing experience, and if I didn’t win, at least I could go away knowing I’ve given it my all. If my all is not enough, then that’s okay. And of course, it was great to win.
BA: After the Zwift Academy finals, which were held late last year, you went straight into a team camp. Did you meet some of the team’s higher-profile members there?
I didn’t meet Kasia at the camp, but it was really cool the other day in Girona (Spain) when I was at a coffee shop and she just rocked up and said hello to me.
It’s like living a dream, where someone I’ve looked up to and watched win the Tour de France is really awesome.
At the camp, I met Cecily, who is so lovely, and all the team members were warm and friendly. They are very open to answering questions and very reassuring when I’ve been nervous. It’s really nice having their guidance. I think it’s super important mixing the development and WorldTour teams.Just give me a shout like I think that’s.
BA: How are you adjusting to life in Girona?
It’s definitely been a challenge.
I’ve never been away from home for this long, especially when you move and know that you’re going to be away for 6-7 months.
At home you know how everything works but here I need to learn even basic things. Even like the supermarket, I don’t know my way around the supermarket. You just have to get used to the differences and not everyone speaks English. I have to learn a little bit of Spanish as well and I’m trying.
I love cooking, so it’s been lovely to use it as an outlet, as well as cycling. But it’s also something that’s not cycling-related. Yeah, little things like this that make you feel more at home.
BA: How’s the racing been going?
It’s been very full-on. The change from the Australian peloton to the European peloton is huge. I think that’s why it’s so important for people to get plenty of race experience and get as many races in as possible.
I’ve discussed my program with the team managers, and my goal this year is to get plenty of experience and learn as much as possible.
It’s been very hectic. Learning to position in the peloton has been my big thing that I’ve had to really work on, and I’m still struggling a bit with it. But I’ve got a very experienced team that I can learn from. Learning to put your elbows out and really push is challenging because I don’t consider myself aggressive.
You can be the strongest in the race, but you won’t get good results if you can’t position yourself and learn those little extra things. That’s a big struggle for riders coming over from non-European countries.
BA: What did you leave behind in Melbourne ie. a job, Uni studies?
At the time of the Zwift Academy Finals, I had just finished my year 12 exams. I found out my ATAR while I was there.
I also worked part-time and had enrolled in an occupational therapy course at Monash Uni, but I’ve deferred that. I’m unsure if it’s what I want to do, but it’s there as an option.
I left friends and family behind, and that’s a big thing. It’s a bit sad, but I know I’ll be back soon.
BA: What advice would you give to junior cyclists aspiring to follow a professional cycling career path?
I don’t consider myself someone who could give great advice because I’m still learning.
But, I’d say, just don’t take yourself too seriously and trust the process as well. Sometimes you might think that you have to follow the same path as someone else, but you’re on your own path. If you enjoy what you’re doing enough, then you will find success.
Don’t focus so much on what other people are doing. Just focus on yourself.
And most of all, enjoy what you’re doing. That’s the main thing. You gotta have fun.
Photo credit: CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto ©Macphtos
