Ashleigh's Story - A Global Impact

Ashleigh has made a notable impact in the world of esports cycling. Her journey into e-sports began in earnest when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional racing schedules, pushing many professional cyclists to explore virtual racing platforms like Zwift. In 2020, Moolman Pasio became a prominent figure in the esports cycling community. She competed in the inaugural UCI Cycling eSports World Championships held on Zwift and showcased her exceptional skills by finishing first. Her participation and success in virtual racing have helped elevate the credibility and visibility of e-sports within the cycling community.

Ashleigh draws inspiration from several sources that have shaped her career and approach to both traditional and virtual cycling. Her drive to continually improve and push her limits is a significant source of motivation, evident in her transition from traditional road racing to becoming a formidable force in e-sports.

"I've noticed that indoor training has made me stronger both physically and mentally. The resistance of the smart trainer simulates the muscular stimulus of weight lifting, combining resistance training with cycling. I've always been a thinker and a worrier, often distracted by thoughts. On the indoor trainer, you just pedal and push without any distractions. That monotony helps me focus, almost like meditating on the bike."

She is passionate about promoting women's cycling and creating more opportunities for female cyclists.  With her success serving as an inspiration to many young athletes, she advocates for e-sports training and racing as am untraditional pathway for riders to be recognised as talented, specifically athletes from unrecognised regions.

__________________

"Especially for women, Zwift is a great solution: in many countries, it's not safe or common for women to cycle, but on Zwift, we can easily find each other and build a community. It's a great starting point because it's less intimidating—you don't have to worry about punctures or being dropped. Women feel more confident riding on an indoor trainer from home. To grow the female fanbase, I also believe women are more interested in athletes' personalities and are more likely to follow cycling if they identify with an athlete. I want to inspire and engage the female fanbase. Zwift is perfect for this because I can ride and chat with women from around the world. Now, I do a weekly group ride for my community where everyone can ask me questions."

__________________

Ashleigh’s success in e-sports highlighted the potential of online platforms to connect and empower athletes globally, which inspired her to create the Rocacorba Collective, a community that offers training programs, virtual group rides, and support for female cyclists.

Her aim with the Collective has and continues to aim to break down barriers and provide accessible resources, promoting women's cycling, and inspiring them to strive to discover that best possible version of themselves through the bike.