Woman Racer Spotlight: Holly Brown-Williams

Name: Holly Brown-Williams

Hometown: Sebastopol, California USA (but identify as Welsh)

How did you get into cycling? I turned 50 and realized a substantial weight gain was going in the wrong direction. Got my first bike, climbed my first hills, and fell in love. Lost 18kg and never looked back. Suffered a serious crash, but recovered and rode my first centuries. Love hilly rides, despite never believing I’ll make it to the top until I’m standing there!

How many years have you been racing on Zwift? I did my first races during Zwift Academy 2019. Began working with coach Theia Friestedt of 360 Velo through her Women’s Cycling Challenge and loved the structure. More serious training since then helped me gain strength, going from CAT D to C. It has also gotten me faster and stronger outdoors. 

Are you part of a Virtual team? I helped Stephen Whitcombe launch Team Velos in 2021, and race on our mixed teams in TTT and our women’s team in ZRL. It was thrilling to win our division in our first season together! Our core values at Velos are to support riders at all levels, and our group rides are designed to help riders develop strengths with loads of support. We are so proud to count among our members UCI world champions on the British Masters track (Melanie Dobbins and Lynney Biddulph), yet treat all our racers from A-D like champions for every achievement. 

What do you love most about racing? I love the challenge to improve my own performances. But most of all I love the support all our teammates provide each other, training and racing: especially my women teamies on Velosipedes!

What is your favourite style of race (e.g. points, scratch, iTT, TTT, Chase, duathlon)? I enjoy all styles of racing, but there is a special magic one experiences in TTTs. Velos hosts several mixed teams in the WTRL series, and enthusiasm is off the charts. 

What is your favourite Zwift women’s race series? Tour of Boudicca. It is flawlessly run, offers a great range of race styles, and is available in multiple time zones. 

What is your most memorable racing experience, inside or outside or BOTH? This has to be our most recent Velos team meetup on Mallorca in April 2024. It was a magical week, with everyone supporting one another to complete spectacular long and hilly rides. Being able to put my CINCH Cycling training into practice – climbing, descending, and paceline riding – was a true dream! At 67 I am reluctant to tackle racing outdoors, but am considering trying TTs after being inspired by teammates racing outdoors. 

What is your favourite food to eat post race? I always reach for a balanced shake with carbs, plant protein and banana. Chocolate always works! But my true favourite food is pre-ride: pumpkin-oatmeal pancakes! 

What advice would you give to a woman entering her first Zwift race? Set your own goals. Make a plan, then train and race to the plan. Remember that all you can control is your own race, so win YOUR ride. And have FUN!

Any upcoming race you are looking forward to? I am taking part in the Team Velos Tour of Giants, our first stage race inspired by the Critérium du Dauphiné, as well as the Zwift Women’s Racing Series. Every race has been challenging, as it should be!