Jess Allen: The Next Step
Article Title: Jess Allen’s Transition: Embracing New Roles at GreenEDGE Cycling
After an illustrious eight-year career as a professional cyclist, Jess Allen is making a seamless transition to a new chapter in her cycling journey. The 30-year-old is set to assume a significant role with the GreenEDGE Cycling team in 2024 and is brimming with enthusiasm for her forthcoming responsibilities.
Allen will be taking on a multifaceted role within the team, working as a press officer for Team Jayco AlUla and Liv AlUla Jayco, alongside her duties as a sport director for the elite women’s team and the new Liv AlUla Jayco Continental Team. Reflecting on her new roles, Allen expressed her excitement about the opportunity to continue her journey within the GreenEDGE family in a different capacity, leveraging her rich experiences as a professional rider.
In an interview, Allen shared, “It’s super nice, and in a way, it doesn’t feel like I’m retiring. I think if I was to do something completely different, or with another team, that maybe I feel a bit different, but it feels very natural.”
Having initially intended to continue racing, Allen’s passion and aptitude for the cycling world drew her toward this new venture. Her decision was notably influenced by her experiences at the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, where she realized that her enthusiasm for non-racing aspects of the sport surpassed her love for racing itself.
Recalling her pivotal realization, Allen explained, “Oh, doing something in the sport outside of racing is actually exciting me more than racing now. After the tour, I sat down with my manager, and she mentioned to me that the team were looking at someone to work in the communications department and my name got mentioned.”
In addition to her roles with GreenEDGE Cycling, Allen is preparing to embark on a mentoring role with AusCycling, where she will guide young riders from Australia. Her commitment to the development of future cycling talent is exemplified by her upcoming responsibilities, including leading the U19 Women during a month-long stint in Europe and at world championships in September.
Amidst the exciting prospects that lie ahead, Allen expressed her eagerness for the mentoring role, emphasizing, “The thought of helping juniors particularly because I was there, particularly the under-19s. I won a junior world title, so I know what it’s like to be them and what it’s like come to Europe for the first time, living out of home and being in that team environment.”
As Jess Allen continues to make meaningful contributions and shape the future of cycling in diverse capacities, her story represents a remarkable evolution and a testament to the enduring impact of her dedication to the sport.
