Savvina Koulle is proving that any woman can conquer the challenges of downhill biking, a sport traditionally dominated by men. The Cypriot biker’s journey is not just about her personal achievements but also about inspiring other women to take the plunge into this exhilarating world.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Koulle, who has gained recognition under the social media handle ‘Eat her dust’, emphasises that this isn’t merely a nod to her own prowess but a rallying cry for women everywhere. This year, she made history by becoming the first woman from Cyprus or Greece to compete in the Mountain of Hell, a prestigious e-bike race held in the breathtaking backdrop of Les Deux Alpes, France.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
The Mountain of Hell is notorious for its demanding course, with around 1,000 riders embarking on a thrilling journey that starts from a glacier at an altitude of 3,400m. The competition spans approximately 25km, featuring a staggering vertical drop of up to 2,500m. For Koulle, participating was a way to challenge her limits and prove that women belong in extreme sports.
“I chose the Mountain of Hell because I wanted to challenge myself. I really wanted to see if I could do it; first of all finish the race and secondly perform the best I could,” she shares, reflecting on her motivation to tackle such an intense challenge.
At just 25, Koulle has navigated a significant transformation in her life, shifting from a career in accounting and finance to the dynamic world of digital marketing. After recognising that her previous path didn’t fulfil her, she pursued a master’s degree in Madrid, which ultimately led her to launch her own marketing agency back in Cyprus. This newfound independence allowed her to dedicate herself fully to her passion for downhill biking.
Her love for extreme sports began in childhood, during family holidays filled with skiing, rafting, and other adventurous activities. However, Koulle admits that developing a competitive mindset took time and effort. “It’s hard for me to build up the competitive mindset that athletes carry but I’m working on it,” she explains. Her dedication and training took a serious turn when she relocated to Platres, a mountainous area in Cyprus, to facilitate her preparation for the race.
For three months leading up to the event, Koulle adopted a rigorous training regimen, dedicating five to six hours a day to physical conditioning. This involved a careful balance of nutrition and recovery, crucial for sustaining her energy levels. The logistics of training were challenging, as she often relied on others for transportation to the top of the Troodos mountains, where she would practice her downhill skills.
When the time came for the race, Koulle faced a daunting qualifying round, which was notably tougher for e-bike riders. The added challenges of steep inclines and the weight of her e-bike made the course particularly demanding. Despite these hurdles, she successfully qualified, a testament to her hard work and determination.
On race day, the atmosphere was electric yet intimidating, with a mass start that saw her lining up alongside many male competitors. Koulle vividly recalls the fear and adrenaline of the moment, describing it as one of the scariest experiences of her life. “You don’t know if someone’s going to come from behind and hit you,” she says, highlighting the chaotic nature of the start.
As the race progressed, Koulle faced a harrowing fall that sent her sliding down the course. “It felt like an eternity,” she recalls, praying for a way to stop. Fortunately, she managed to regain her footing and continued, showcasing her resilience in the face of adversity. Throughout the race, she navigated varying terrains, from icy slopes to muddy patches, pushing her limits every step of the way.
Crossing the finish line brought a wave of relief and accomplishment. “Everyone else standing there were men. It was the ideal scenario, but I was really only trying to challenge myself,” she reflects on that moment of triumph.
Back in Cyprus, Koulle is not just focused on her personal goals but is also passionate about fostering a community of women in downhill biking. With only a handful of female riders on the island, she has taken the initiative to create a supportive environment. “I started the social media account with the aim of inspiring more women to try this sport,” she explains, hoping to motivate them to explore their own limits.
With plans to organise a mountain biking weekend in Troodos, Koulle is excited about the interest she’s received from other women eager to participate. “There are people who want to try and explore this sport,” she says, highlighting the beauty of nature and the accessibility of biking trails in the region.
Despite the daunting statistics of female representation in extreme sports, Koulle remains optimistic. She believes that with more encouragement and the possibility of separate events for women, the barriers can be broken down. “Today I think if you work hard, really hard, you can do anything in your life,” she concludes, embodying the spirit of determination that defines her journey.
