What makes Joyride so special in particular, and why is it such an important event for women to finally compete in?
Buchanan: This is the birthplace of Crankworx. This is really the home of where it all began. This is the point that connects the fans, the riders, and the community, as well as the industry. This one is not only the biggest from a viewership perspective, but I would say probably the most important event that supports the entire season.
It’s also the biggest course. So it’s 11 features, the longest course. It’s the Super Bowl.
Before this year, no one really thought Joyride and Diamond League level events would be a reality for women so soon. In my mind, I was thinking this was going to be three to five years down the track. I thought I was probably going to have kids and a family, not even in a trajectory of thinking this would be a reality. So I think for everyone, it was more of a shock to go, “Wow. All right, we’re jumping a few levels, but let’s just lean into that pressure and deliver.”
