How Jenny Took Out Two World Titles at the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships

The Race – Gran Fondo Worlds

How does it feel to win both the Time Trial and Road Race at Gran Fondo Worlds?

My strategy going into the time trial was complete focus on delivering my best performance through thorough preparation. From focusing on training and nutrition to dialling in my equipment setup and position on the bike. I had a clear race-day plan to overpower the climbs, stay as aerodynamic as possible, and prioritise recovery and safety on the descents.

The wind was gusty, and on the first descent it caught my front wheel and gave me a real scare. That shook my confidence and derailed my descent plan. Where I’d felt comfortable on the aerobars during recon, I suddenly didn’t, so I reverted to the base bar for safety. I knew that might cost me some time but was the right call in the moment.

Heading into the final 4 km, I still felt strong, and wondered if I’d pushed hard enough earlier. I’d passed a lot of riders, I knew that was a positive, but it’s always hard to tell. Reminding myself the pain was nearly over I committed to emptying the tank all the way to the line.

When the doping control chaperone appeared right after I finished, I thought maybe I’d done enough, and when the fastest time confirmation came through, it felt incredible.

What was your strategy for the Gran Fondo Road Race along the Great Ocean Road?

On the road race day, I just felt fantastic, strong and confident all day which is a rare feeling. A steady tempo was set up the first climb and the bunch stayed together. From the start I focused on staying near the front, conserving where I could and pushing it a little on the hills to test and stretch things out.

The race didn’t ramp up until the climb out of Forest, and although a handful of us got away briefly on the descent, we all regrouped on the Great Ocean Road. With rolling hills and cross winds keeping us honest I knew it would come down to a sprint.

I dropped my chain in the final 15kms, and I had to chase back on, momentarily that was stressful. After this I focused on staying in the front few bikes, avoiding getting boxed in, and being patient right up to the last 200m, then timing my sprint with a late launch.

I didn’t truly “know” I had it until I crossed the finish line. Ultimately, I felt strong in my body, and in my mind too, and I trusted myself and my preparation enough to back that strength. It paid off!

The Team

What’s it like racing the Gran Fondo Worlds with friends and teammates?

Racing with teammates always adds something special. For the TT, it’s more of an individual effort on the road, but being at the finish with Bizzy and celebrating together backstage before the podium was nice. We’ve built a strong friendship, and sharing those moments together is special.

We’re a close team and Daniela and I checked in on each other throughout the race and shared a beautiful moment at the end when we realised I’d done the double. It makes the experience that much more memorable when we do it together.

The Training – How to prepare for cycling world championships?

How did you train for the Gran Fondo World Championships?

My preparation was the most focused and thorough I’ve ever been for any event. Although it wasn’t high stakes in the broader sense, it’s an amateur event, and the only real pressure came from myself, it felt significant because of how much time and sacrifice I had invested.

From the outset, my goal was simple: within the realities of full-time work, family, and life, do everything I could to arrive at the start line in the best shape possible to deliver my best performance. I started in January and spent nine months preparing with my coach, Nick Owen, training an average of 12–15 hours per week.

I’ve never trained with such focus or attention to detail. There were countless hours on the TT bike, targeted gym sessions to build strength and flexibility in the TT position and plenty of race simulations to fine-tune race day execution (and learn from stupid mistakes).

There were times where staying focused on the end goal felt hard. Some days, I’d have much rather joined the bunchie than head to the velodrome for another VO₂ session. But those were the days I had to park the temptation and think of the bigger plan. Every session builds on the last and consistency forms the foundation for race day.

A late and valuable addition to the preparation plan came when I began working with a sports nutritionist. Learning how to fuel properly before, during, and after training transformed everything: stronger sessions, faster recovery, and the ability to sustain higher training loads week after week.

I’ve never eaten so much and of course in such a targeted way. It feels so simple now. It was learning what and how much to eat, and the crucial factor of ‘when’ to eat that was the game changer. I’ve never felt stronger on the bike or ‘in’ my body.

While standing on the top step was incredibly satisfying and ultimately what I was aiming for, the real reward was in the process itself. I love the structure of training, the rhythm, the purpose, the relentless small steps forward. The result simply confirmed that the effort, discipline, and time invested along the way was worthwhile.

The Mindset – Cycling Motivation

What motivates you to ride?

I ride because it gives me a sense of freedom. The open road, fresh air, and time to either think things through or just let my mind wander.

I really love the challenge of pushing my body to the limit and seeing what I’m capable of. Plus, there’s nothing like exploring new places on a bike; it’s a way to discover new places that feels personal and alive. The mix of hard work, mental escape and adventure is what keeps me riding.

For the next few months, my goal is simply to enjoy the ride with friends. Get back to my favourite bunchies, like Pedla Pace on a Wednesday, and racing some crits on the weekends. No big goals for a while because I really need a break.

Every year or so though, I love to pick a big, fun, or different event to challenge myself. This year it was the Shimano Gravel Muster (a 4-day gravel stage race in the Northern Territory) and Gran Fondo Worlds, so who knows what next year will bring… ideas welcome!