At the same time, I realised many of my struggles came from the fact that I had entered professional cycling without a clear pathway. Most riders grow up within established systems offering mentors, clubs and development programmes. Those structures didn’t exist for me in the Kingdom, and I was determined that the next generation would not face the same challenges. A programme was launched in 2023 to promote cycling culture among the country’s youth. In many ways, it is the one I wish had existed when I was growing up. Today, around 80 to 90 children participate annually.
Ironically, spending so much time abroad also strengthened my connection to home, which remains my favourite place to cycle in the world. I wanted to share it with others, so I worked with different organisations to create cycling experiences across Saudi Arabia. This winter, I will officially launch my biggest cycling tour project yet in AlUla. As part of the experience, participants will immerse themselves in the local culture and heritage firsthand. We will incorporate planned stops at traditional coffeehouses, farms and a myriad of historic sites, including the ancient tombs in Hegra and the Old Town’s historic mud-brick dwellings.
As I look to the future, my biggest goal is to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games. I know the journey will demand more of me than anything I have undertaken so far, but cycling has taught me that growth rarely happens in moments of comfort. It happens in the long stretches where the outcome remains uncertain and the only choice is to keep moving forward. To represent Saudi Arabia on the Olympic stage would make every sacrifice worthwhile.
This article was originally published in the July/August issue of Vogue Arabia.