Gillian Ellsay is Here to Make Friends

Rally-UHC Cycling’s Gillian Ellsay is one of the youngest riders on the team, but she’s a total powerhouse climber and has learned a ton in her two years on the team alongside of a squad of amazing women (and her brother Nigel on the men’s squad!). After being a figure skater for 7 years, she turned to cycling in the last few years and has a ton of great advice.

Her best advice:

“Finding a support network is so key. Find a local club or a local bike shop. I was lucky because I had my brother and my dad. Even if you have a friend who isn’t into bikes yet, ask her to get out and try riding too.”

“I stretch a lot for my hip flexors and to prevent back pain. I really like just hanging out in Child’s Pose or foam rolling.”

“If I’m not feeling motivated, I’ll put on some pump-up music like Taylor Swift, or I’ll plan a route that will take me to a great coffee shop stop.”

Read more about the other Rally UHC riders, including Abigail Mickey’s tips for motivating a tough workout, Heidi Franz’s advice on being a beginner and more from other real life Shred Girls here!