In this powerful episode of the Ride to Success podcast, host Pedro Couto Lopes sits down with British cyclist Connie Hayes — a semi-pro rider for O’Shea Racing, a Geography MRes graduate, and a bold voice for neurodivergent athletes in sport.

Connie opens up about being diagnosed with autism, dyslexia, and dyspraxia in her early 20s — and how those labels, far from limiting her, became the key to unlocking her identity. From racing in elite events like the Women’s Tour of Britain and RideLondon Classique, to hitting rock bottom with injury, burnout, and grief, Connie’s story is a lesson in resilience, honesty, and redefining success.

Topics we cover in this episode:

• What it’s like to race bikes as an autistic athlete

• Masking, late diagnosis, and reclaiming identity

• How injury forced Connie to rediscover the joy of riding

• Why you don’t need to “fit in” to win

• Building better support for neurodivergent individuals in sport

• Connie’s upcoming goal: cycling around the world

If you’ve ever felt like you don’t fit the mould, this conversation will challenge, inspire, and empower you.

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🎧 Listen to the Full Episode

Podcast available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

Social Links to Ride to Success:

Follow Pedro Couto Lopes:https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedro-couto-lopes/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ridetosuccess/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ridetosuccess/

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Thanks for listening

#RideToSuccess

Joe Grant shares his journey from a childhood filled with cycling to a life plagued by addiction and drug dealing.

He reflects on the impact of his choices on his family and the turning points that led him to seek recovery.

He later founded Energise Cycles, a community initiative aimed at empowering youth through cycling and addressing issues like mental health and youth crime.

Joe's story is one of transformation, resilience, and the power of support in overcoming adversity.

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Social Links to Ride to Success:

Follow Pedro Couto Lopes:https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedro-couto-lopes/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ridetosuccess/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ridetosuccess/

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Thanks for listening

#RideToSuccess

When James Harrison first wheeled out his old mountain bike in 2015 to commute 10 miles to work, he didn’t know he was starting a journey that would turn him into a two-time cycling entrepreneur. What began as a struggle to get up the hills without gasping for breath has since evolved into two purpose-driven businesses — Souplesse Cycling and Q Bike Wheels — and a mission to make cycling more enjoyable and effortless for everyone.

In his recent interview on the Ride to Success podcast with host Pedro Couto Lopes, James opens up about his late start in the sport, the engineering mindset that fuels his ventures, and what it really means to blend passion, problem-solving, and persistence.

Listen Now

This conversation with James Harrison is a must-listen for anyone navigating the intersection of sport, business, and purpose. It’s a story of curiosity, courage, and the power of solving real problems — on and off the bike.

Listen to the full episode on the Ride to Success Podcast

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

Topics Discussed

• The Journey into Cycling: First Ride and Early Experiences

• Mistakes and Learning in Cycling

• Merging Engineering with Cycling: The Birth of Souplesse Cycling

• Lessons from Cycling: Persistence, Humility, and Feedback

• Launching Q Bike Wheels: Solving a Pricing Problem

• Balancing Data and Intuition in Cycling

• The Challenge of Managing Two Businesses

• Turning Passion into a Business

Thanks for listening

#RideToSuccess