In our latest Q&A in collaboration with Peloton Magazine, we talked with Canyon//SRAM’s Tiffany Cromwell. With wins at some of the biggest races and part of numerous team successes, Tiffany is often found riding in support of her teammates and taking on the role of road captain for her team, yet at the same time is still able to chase success herself. She has represented Australia in several World Road Championship races, the 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth Games and will be making her Olympic debut this year. Find out a little more about her in our interview!
Where are you from?
Adelaide, Australia
Where do you live now?
Monaco
How did you get started in cycling?
Through a talent ID program run by the South Australian Sports Institute. It was initially on the velodrome and then on the road.
At what point did you realise that cycling was more than a hobby?
Probably when I started travelling overseas and competing for international teams in 2008.
What’s your most cherished memory in your sporting career to date?
There’s so many. Probably my first ever ‘pro win’ in USA at Sea Otter Classic. It was special to have the feeling on winning internationally for the first time.
What are your goals for the Olympics?
To support the Australian team to the best of my abilities as a road captain and support rider. My goal is to make it as far into the race as possible and be an integral part of the team to help Australia bring home a medal.
What will your training look like as the Games approach?
There’s not too much training to go for me. I’ve just finished a 3 week block of hard training with a lot of specific efforts geared towards the course at Tokyo. I’m off to race La Course this weekend and then Giro next week, so between those two races I’ll mainly be recovering and just sharpening up before the race in Tokyo.
Which athletes inspire you?
Any athlete who is able to stay at the top of their game for a long period. To be able to do that is challenging and takes a lot of grit, strong mind and hard work and who are role models away from the field. Athletes like Serena Williams.
What keeps you motivated during difficult times?
I think what keeps me motivated during difficult times is that there’s always an end to tough times if you really want it. It’s about finding the passion and the love of the sport again, getting back to basics and sometimes stepping away from the intensity of the sport to gain the motivation back again.
Advice for younger riders striving for the Olympics?
Never give up on your dream. It might not happen as quick as you may want it to, you may get told a few times that you’re not going to be selected for the Olympics. Learn from the processes, learn from the failures, and keep striving. Keep pushing and don’t let the pressure of the magnitude of the Olympics and the selection processes you need to go through to get there, get to you and get in the way of your ability to perform. Stay calm, have a supportive ‘personal team’ around you, don’t be afraid to ask questions and always remember the reason why you love the sport in the first place.
If you weren’t a pro rider, what would you be doing now?
Probably working in some area of the design world.
Favourite coffee ride snack?
Salted caramel brownie or banana bread
Favourite coffee ride stop?
Depends on the country, but any coffee shop that is serious about their coffee and makes a high quality flat white.
What’s your spirit animal and why?
Probably a dolphin or a polar bear. Dolphins have always been my favourite animal, their intelligent but also in tune with their instincts and seem playful. Polar bears are so cute and cuddly but also fierce and strong.
One thing you can’t live without on the road?
My boyfriend, or if he can’t be there, then my mobile phone and aero press.
