Weekly Racer Spotlight: James Bailey

This week, we’re thrilled to highlight an incredible advocate for women’s racing, consistently going above and beyond to champion and uplift the community.

Name: James Bailey

Hometown: London 

How did you get into cycling? I started riding along a canal about 8 years ago following spending most of my 20s and 30s doing little to no exercise… and then discovered Zwift via a Facebook advert.

How many years have you been racing on Zwift? ~7 years 

Are you part of a Virtual team? No 

What do you love most about racing? The end! The exhilaration you feel when you cross the finish line and realise the pain is over.

What is your favourite style of race (e.g. points, scratch, iTT, TTT, Chase, duathlon)? TT & Scratch 

What is your favourite Zwift women’s and mixed race series? Zwift Women’s Racing Series 

What is your most memorable racing experience, inside or outside or BOTH? Winning the Herd Championship (B) Climb event – Ventop @ 3.9w/kg 

What is your favourite food to eat post race? Pizza, crisps 

What advice would you give to anyone entering her first Zwift race? Make sure you are pedaling before the banner drops and ready to kick hard for the first minute or so. Find a group that chats on Discord during the race – it helps a lot! 

Any upcoming race you are looking forward to? I’m having a bit of a racing break at the moment following some mental/physical health issues whilst I try to rediscover my fitness. I’ve been enjoying hosting my own daily group rides.

Where can people follow your racing adventures? Strava, Companion