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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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.

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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

Pedro Couto Lopes interviews Ben Clark, who shares his journey of cycling around the world. The discussion covers the inspiration behind the journey, the lessons learned on the road, cultural connections, and the importance of mental health. Ben reflects on the challenges of solitude, the intersection of business and adventure, and the significance of supporting mental health initiatives.

The conversation also delves into the highlights and regrets of the journey, including experiences in Georgia and the decision not to cycle through Afghanistan.

The discussion also touches on personal growth, mental health, and the evolving definition of success, emphasising the value of experiences over mere achievements.

🎧 Listen to the Full Episode

Catch the full conversation with Ben Clark on the Ride to Success podcast — available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Topics discussed:

• 🚴‍♂️ Cycling 35,000km Solo Around the World

• 🧠 Mental Health, Resilience & Why He Almost Quit

• 🌍 What Travel Taught Him About Humanity

• 💬 Breaking the Stigma Around Men’s Mental Health

• 🏕️ Life on the Road: Crashes, Cold, and Connection

• 🔧 Startup Skills and the Business of Adventure

• 🗺️ From Tech Industry to Global Explorer

• 💡 Lessons from Solitude and Struggle

• 📈 Redefining Success, One Pedal Stroke at a Time

Listen to the podcast:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XhcMcW28Tuk7Vr4XK47TL

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ride-to-success/id1726829754

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtzjN9DhQi18kpAl-h6fuMA

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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

Dr. Sarah Ruggins on Breaking the JOGLEJOG World Record

Dr. Sarah Ruggins cycled the full length of the UK and back (2,700km) in just 5 days, 11 hours, and 14 minutes.

In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Sarah opens up about the physical, mental, and emotional layers behind her record-breaking achievement. She discusses her journey from being bedridden as a teen to becoming one of the fastest cyclists in the world — all while balancing a high-pressure finance career and championing social causes.

We dive into her concept of “aggressive patience”, how she redefined success through setbacks, and why cycling became both her healing and her platform for advocacy.

Whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or just someone chasing a big goal — this episode is a masterclass in resilience, mindset, and meaningful achievement.

Topics Discussed:

Breaking the JOGLEJOG Record

Sleep-Deprived and Still Riding

Sarah’s Illness and Recovery Journey

A Philosophy for Long-Term Goals

Balancing Finance, Training, and 5-Hour Workouts

Building a Support Team

Riding for Refugees and Social Purpose

Redefining Identity

Advice to New Endurance Athletes

The True Meaning of Success

Listen to the podcast:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XhcMcW28Tuk7Vr4XK47TL

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ride-to-success/id1726829754

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtzjN9DhQi18kpAl-h6fuMA

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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

Kasia Giger shares her journey from a cycling enthusiast to a product manager in the cycling industry.

She discusses the importance of innovation, the challenges women face in the industry, and the need for better infrastructure to promote cycling. Kasia emphasizes the value of community and personal fulfillment in her life, while also highlighting the future trends in urban mobility and the role of e-bikes.

The discussion concludes with reflections on success and the importance of building a supportive network within the cycling community.

Topics discussed:

• Cycling as a Lifestyle

• Shaping Urban Mobility

• Women in Cycling

• The Realities of Product Development

• Relocating and Reconnecting

• Parenting and Profession

• Designing for Women

• Community and Connection

• Cycling Philosophy

Thanks for listening

#RideToSuccess

Listen to the podcast:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XhcMcW28Tuk7Vr4XK47TL

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ride-to-success/id1726829754

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtzjN9DhQi18kpAl-h6fuMA

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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/

Renata Farah shares her journey of cultural adaptation, personal growth, and the transformative power of sports, particularly cycling.

From her early life in Brazil to her experiences in Argentina, Australia, and Italy, Renata discusses how moving across continents has shaped her identity and resilience, and how she is now building Rekonnekt.co

She emphasises the importance of adaptability, the lessons learned from elite athletes, and how cycling has become a therapeutic outlet for her during challenging times.

Renata's insights inspire listeners to embrace their journeys, find purpose in challenges, and recognise the power of movement in personal development.

In this conversation, Renata Farah and Pedro Couto Lopes explore the transformative power of movement, the importance of community, and the concept of authentic connections.

They discuss the significance of disengaging self-worth from achievements and how each individual defines personal success differently.

The conversation also delves into effective networking strategies, emphasising curiosity and authenticity, and concludes with memorable ride experiences that provide perspective on life.

Chloe Hosking, the first-ever bike brand founded by a female professional road cyclist, shares her journey from professional athlete to entrepreneur.

She discusses the challenges faced by women in cycling, the importance of soft skills learned through sports, and the impact of minimum salaries on the professionalization of women's cycling.

Chloe emphasizes the need for inclusivity in the cycling community and advocates for better governance and support for athletes.

She reflects on her values, the importance of mentorship, and her vision for a more equitable future in cycling.

Listen to the Full Episode

🎧 Catch the full conversation with Chloe Hosking on the Ride to Success podcast, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube

Topics discussed:

- Managing Uncertainty and Identity After Sport

- Challenges in Women's Cycling

- Reflections on Professional Cycling and Future Aspirations

- The Evolution of Women's Cycling Careers

- The Birth of Hosking Bikes

- Community Engagement and Grassroots Initiatives

- Women in Leadership: The Path Forward

- Equity vs. Equality in Sports

- Sports Governance and Inequality

- Leadership in Cycling

Thanks for listening

#RideToSuccess