Woman Racer Spotlight: Melanie Dobbins

Name: Melanie Dobbins

Hometown: Derby, UK

How did you get into cycling? I used to attend spinning classes at my local gym. In 2015, an indoor velodrome was built in Derby. A gym instructor encouraged me to have a go on the track and I became completely hooked. I hadn’t been an active cyclist before that, so there was a lot to learn, but it’s a lot of fun and very sociable. 

How many years have you been racing on Zwift? I’ve been racing on Zwift for around six years.

Are you part of a Virtual team? I’m part of team Velos. They’re a friendly, supportive team with great group rides. 

What do you love most about racing? Whilst racing I love the fact I push myself far harder than I could in training. I also love the tactical side of racing. Trying to think about where to be positioned in the bunch and thinking about what other riders will do and when they will attack…

What is your favourite style of race (e.g. points, scratch, iTT, TTT, Chase, duathlon)?  I like scratch and sprint Zwift races best. 

What is your favourite Zwift women’s race series? I’ve really enjoyed taking part in the Boudicca races. It’s always fantastic to race with large groups of strong women.

What is your most memorable racing experience, inside or outside or BOTH? My most memorable racing experience was the team sprint last year at the World masters track championships in Manchester. I was riding in position three and was terrified I wasn’t going to hold the wheels of the two other ladies in front of me, but on the day, it all came together perfectly. 

What is your favourite food to eat post race? I don’t have any favourite post race food. It depends what’s in the cupboard or fridge. 

What advice would you give to a woman entering her first Zwift race? My advice to any woman entering her first race would be to go hard at the start and draft. Don’t overthink it and worry about tactics or results. Entering the first race is winning.

Any upcoming race you are looking forward to? I’m looking forward to taking part in a team pursuit competition at my local velodrome. It’s tremendous fun working as a team trying to get the fastest time possible.