In the two previous articles in ”The Lucy Garner Series” Lucy took us back to the past, let us in on the present and now she’s giving us a glance at the future. Join in on the third part, out of four, and see what lies ahead.

As Lucy sits down to talk about the future, it’s easy to spot the glow in her eyes as she looks ahead. Having said that she never dreamt of becoming World Champion, she now finds herself dreaming and aiming for more than ever before.

”I’m not looking for a quick fix,” Lucy tells Cyclingquotes.com. 

”I want a long successful career on the bike. I know it takes a lot of hard work and it takes time to peak and a lot of effort to make sure you stay there once you get there, but I’m willing to do the work and keep learning from others, gain experience and grow as a cyclist until I’m there. There really are no short cuts and I’ll just do my very best to enjoy the journey.”

After her successful years as a junior, Lucy has made a smooth transition into the pro peloton, showing off her talent and skills as a sprinter against some of the top female cyclists in the world. During her first year as a pro she’s already claimed an impressive 4th place at the 2013 edition of the Dwars Door Vlaanderen and surely it only adds to the expectations of her. However, she tries not to battle the expectations from others, but instead just deal with her own.

”People will always have expectations and a certain idea about how things are supposed to be or turn out. It’s not my job to do anything about that. My job is to focus on what I, and of course the team, expect from me. That’s where I put my energy.”

The Rider I Wish To Be

The fact that Lucy is still only 19 years old gives her plenty of time to use that energy on developing into the kind of rider she wishes to be. Being part of such an experienced squad allows her to learn from the very best.

”I’m really lucky being surrounded by all these amazing girls.  There’s no doubt I’ll learn a lot from all of them. Not everyone is so lucky, so I truly feel privileged and will grab every chance for more wisdom and knowledge,” says Lucy before mentioning one of her big role models, Kirsten Wild.

”Watching her at the Tour of Qatar was fantastic. She really showed her dominance and consistency in the sprints and that’s the kind of rider I want to be. Having the chance to ride with her is something I really appreciate and I definitely won’t let an opportunity like that go to waste.”

With her sprint being her obvious weapon, it’s understandably the centre of attention a lot of the time, but she’s still keen on developing other sides as a rider. Being an all-rounder is somewhat a dream and she surprised herself at the World Championships last year by doing very well on the climbs, but she quickly points out the fact that we should never expect her to become a time trialist.

”It’s just not in my nature. It’s not going to happen. If it does, it’s definitely not something I’d see coming!”

The Comparison

Lucy is used to being compared to the multi-talented Marianne Vos and when asked whose career she’d like to have, Vos’ is the first name popping up.

”I know I’m being compared to Vos a lot. She’s an amazing rider and it really is the biggest compliment you can get. Obviously, that kind of career would be amazing, but we’ll see. No pressure,” she says with a smile.

But is there really no pressure when being compared to the world’s most outstanding female cyclist?

”I really just try to take the compliment and leave the rest. As with every kind of credit or criticism that might come your way, it’s about taking what’s useful and throw away what’s not. Easier said than done, but I try to remind myself of that. Also, we’re all different riders with different qualities and instead of focusing on what someone else is doing to sharpen her qualities, you have to focus on sharpening yours. Anything else is pointless.”

The Crystal Ball

Looking into the crystal ball there’s one image she’d like to see more than anything else; seeing herself climb to the top of the podium at the Olympics with a big smile on her face.

”That’s the victory of my dreams.”

After chatting with her for a good while it’s not hard to picture her up on that podium. With a determination, eagerness and joy that carries her on her journey towards the future, it seems nothing is impossible to accomplish.

”It’s that one race that’s been all you’ve been thinking about for 4 years. Just to cross the finish line would certainly be a special feeling, but imagine being the first one doing it… That’s just insane. It’s so special to win the worlds, but the Olympics is just the dream of dreams.”

Rewinding it back a bit, having a look at the current 2013 season, she’s not scared of mentioning one of her objectives, the U23 European Road Championships.

"Making it a third European title will be hard, but I'm definitely aiming for it.”

The Nonexistent Dream

Although she’s got a long journey ahead of her, it’s bound to come to an end at some point. Lucy, however, does not concern herself looking that far into the future. It seems there really isn’t room for any dreams other than the ones related to cycling...

”I really don’t know what I’ll do when it all comes to an end. It’s weird, but I’m completely clueless about what I’d like to do. I don’t have any dreams for a future when I’m not racing anymore, because all I see myself doing is racing.  However, I do know that, sadly, it can’t last forever.  If someone took away my bike right now I’d go completely blank, not knowing what to do. Maybe it’s one of my strengths, not having any distractions, just being here in the moment.”

Lucy briefly steps out of the moment just to look back on 2013 and what she’d like to be able to say about it.

”All I want is to be able to look back on this year knowing I’ve done my very best for the team and getting the most out of every experience. It would be really good just knowing I’ve helped the team to success. I still have a few goals of my own, though. I know it’s going to be hard to win anything, but I’d really like to look back on a top 5 result or even a top 3.”

The future came quickly to Miss Garner as she’s already able to look back on a top 5 finish. Is a top 3 lingering around the corner…?

Taking us through the past, the present and the future, Lucy tops it off by letting us in under the cover, getting up close and personal, for the fourth and final part of The Lucy Garner Series.

”It’s hard not to become the results you make.”

To be continued…

In this video you can watch Lucy on a training ride with her teammates:

The Lucy Garner Series
>> The Past
>> The Present
>> The Future