From the green landscapes of Silkstone Common, in the heart of Yorkshire, England, A couple of grandparents have undertaken an emotional journey that crosses borders and accumulates kilometers. They do not travel through conventional tourism, although Spain is a destination that they know and love. His mission is much more personal and vibrant: to follow closely, aboard his faithful motorhome, each pedaling of his granddaughter, Imogen Wolff, in his debut in one of the great quotes of female cycling, the return. An adventure that stains the demanding world of professional sports.
Imogen Wolff is a young promise of cycling that this year has made the leap to the professional category with the powerful Visuma-Lease team to Bike. For them, touring Spain at their rolling house is not a novelty. “We have a motorhome. We travel every year in Spain“, says the grandfather, revealing a tradition that now takes on a special meaning. This year, however, the itinerary is marked by the stages of the Vuelta, a challenge that they have embraced with the illusion of seeing Imogen compete to the highest level.
Imogen, just exit from the junior category, has burst strongly into the professional platoon. His selection for a wingspan test of the women’s return in his first year is a testimony of his talent and potential. “It’s his first year as a professional,” his grandfather proudly explains. “He has just finished his stage as junior and has been selected to run the return for the first time“. A milestone that their grandparents did not want to get lost for anything in the world, transforming their vehicle into a mobile unconditional support operations center.
Life in motorhome during a great cycling round is a unique experience. It offers freedom of movement to follow cyclists, but also requires meticulous planning. Looking for the right place to park near the outputs or goals, manage resources and live with weather uncertainty are part of day to day. For these British grandparents, it is a way of being close to imogen, somehow sharing the sacrifices and joys of elite cycling. Your vehicle is not only a means of transport, but a refuge and a symbol of your constant support.
-“We have not yet been in Soria Ciudad. Let’s go shortly, before going to the goal“, commented the grandfather, with the intention of knowing the capital of the province a bit.”It is the first time in Soria for us“He added, showing that, even in the middle of sports maelstrom, there is room to discover new corners of the Spanish geography, a country that, as he says, have traveled” many, many times. “
The pride they feel for Imogen is palpable in each word. “Yes, he is doing very well. We are very proud of her,” he says with a smile that is highlights sincere. This unconditional family support is, for many athletes, a fundamental pillar in their careers.
The initial plan is ambitious: follow the return to the end. “We have been in the beginning … and we hope to reach the end“, confesses the grandfather. However, the logistics sometimes imposes its own rules. The test could take them to Pontevedra, in Galicia, which means” a long way to us to return to the ferry “that would take them back to England. Therefore, they maintain a flexible attitude:”We will see the next stage tomorrow, and then we will think”This logistics uncertainty adds a touch of adventure to its already exciting journey.
While Imogen Wolff pedalses looking for their place in the competitive world of professional cycling, their grandparents, from the discretion of your vehicle, offer you a constant and silent support lighthouse. His trip from Yorkshire, following the stages of the female return, is not only a sports monitoring, but a demonstration of love and faith in the talent of his granddaughter. A story that undoubtedly inspires and moves, demonstrating that family ties can be the most powerful engine in any race, whether on the road or in life.
