Lynsey Usher has spent much of her life moving fast, quite literally. A former track and field athlete, sprint-distance triathlete and road cyclist, she is the sort of person for whom sport isn’t a seasonal hobby or a January personality experiment, but a daily necessity. Some people need coffee. Some need silence. Lynsey needs the bike.

Today, she is the Project Leader of WMN Moving FWD, a women’s fitness and lifestyle community based primarily in Abu Dhabi. The initiative brings women together through cycling, spinning, wellness events, sunrise rides, viewing parties and educational programmes. In other words, it is all about confidence, access, safety, visibility and creating a space where women can show up exactly as they are.

Through WMN Moving FWD, Lynsey works at the intersection of sport, community, education and women’s development. With a UCI Cycling Coach certification and a background in partnerships, communications, sustainability and CSR, she is helping build a female-led cycling ecosystem in the UAE. We spoke to her about sport as identity, why endurance is resonating with women, and what it really means to move forward at your own pace.

— Let’s start with you. Before WMN Moving FWD existed, before cycling became a platform — who were you, and what role did sport play in your life back then?

— Sport has been a defining part of my life since childhood. Before moving to the UAE 11 years ago, I competed in track and field, and later developed a passion for sprint-distance triathlons and road cycling. I come from a sporting family — my father was a high-level sprinter — and I inherited many of those attributes. While I enjoyed a variety of sports, cycling quickly became both a strength and a passion. I love being outdoors, and I have always seen the bike as one of the healthiest and most rewarding forms of transport and exercise.

As an athlete, I was known as the sprinter of the team. I thrived in fast, explosive events such as criterium racing and shorter-distance competitions, where speed, power and tactical awareness were essential.

More importantly, sport shaped my mindset. From a young age, it taught me that success comes from being willing to step outside your comfort zone, embrace discomfort, and show patience and consistency over time. Sport helped me understand that meaningful achievements are rarely built overnight — they are the result of discipline, perseverance and countless small efforts repeated day after day.

— Do you remember the moment when cycling stopped being “just a sport” for you? When did it become something deeper — identity, refuge, or even resistance?

— Unlike some women who discover sport primarily as a way to stay fit or manage their weight, that was never my motivation. I fell in love with cycling around 20 years ago, and from the very beginning it felt like something much deeper — a genuine part of who I am.

The turning point came when a friend introduced me to mountain biking. It sparked something in me immediately, but I quickly realised I was craving more speed and intensity. That led me to road cycling, and I have never looked back.

Over the years, cycling has become far more than a sport or hobby. It is part of my identity and a cornerstone of my wellbeing. If I don’t ride, I genuinely feel the impact, both physically and psychologically. It is as essential to my day as having a shower or making my bed.

Many people see exercise as an optional extra — something to fit in if time allows. For me, the mindset has always been different. Sport isn’t a luxury; it is a necessity. It keeps me grounded, focused and connected to myself, and I can’t imagine my life without it.

— Many women enter endurance sports later in life than men. Why do you think that is? Is it about access, confidence, safety, representation — or something more subtle and structural?

— This is a complex question, and I can only speak from my own observations and experience. There are certainly practical barriers to entry. Many endurance sports require a significant financial investment, not only to get started but also to continue participating at a meaningful level. Equipment, travel, coaching and race entries can make these sports less accessible, particularly during life stages when other priorities take precedence.

I also think timing plays a role. Many women spend their younger years focused on building careers, raising families or supporting others. As life evolves and careers become more established, there is often greater financial freedom, as well as a renewed desire to invest time and energy into personal goals.

What I find particularly inspiring is that many women who come into endurance sport later in life are already high achievers. They bring determination, resilience and discipline with them. Sport becomes an outlet that exists outside of work and family responsibilities — a space that belongs entirely to them. It offers the opportunity to challenge themselves, step outside their comfort zones, pursue personal bests and reconnect with their own ambitions.

Beyond the physical benefits, endurance sport provides something that is often overlooked: mental wellbeing. It creates space for reflection, problem-solving and clarity in an increasingly busy world. For many women, it becomes a form of freedom, confidence and self-discovery. In that sense, sport is one of the most powerful — and perhaps most underappreciated — tools we have for supporting both physical and mental health.

— What was missing for women in cycling when you first started riding seriously? Not theoretically — but emotionally and practically. What did you personally feel was lacking?

— When I first started cycling seriously, what was missing wasn’t equipment, coaching or opportunities — it was community. Road cycling was, and in many places still is, a male-dominated sport. In my home country, I almost always trained alone or with groups of men. Occasionally, there would be another female rider, but there simply weren’t enough women participating to create a real cycling community.

Emotionally, that came with its own challenges. Every ride felt like a test. I wanted to prove that I belonged, and there was constant pressure not to be the person holding the group back. Even though women and men have different physiological strengths, I felt I had to hide any struggle, push through every difficult moment and never show weakness. Looking back, it made me incredibly resilient, but it was also exhausting at times.

What I felt was lacking was the opportunity to ride alongside other women who understood those experiences. I often wished there had been a group of women to train with — a space where not every ride had to be a race, where support and encouragement were as important as performance, and where you could simply enjoy the sport together.

Recognition was also largely absent. There was little acknowledgement of the extra effort required to show up consistently in an environment where you often felt like the minority. But in a strange way, that shaped my character. It taught me to find motivation internally rather than relying on praise or validation from others. I learned to show up, do the work and take pride in knowing I had given my best. That became enough for me — although, if I am honest, a pat on the back every now and then would have been nice.

— How did the idea of WMN Moving FWD first take shape? Was it a conscious project from day one, or did it grow organically out of lived experience?

— WMN Moving FWD was a conscious project from day one. While it took several months for the name to emerge, the vision was clear from the start. Our leadership recognised both the need and the opportunity to create a female-only cycling ecosystem representing the nation, offering something different from what already existed.

What makes WMN Moving FWD unique is the depth of expertise behind it. Through our connection to a World Tour team, we have access to world-class doctors, sports scientists, coaches and performance specialists. Our goal was never simply to create another cycling group; it was to build an educational community where that knowledge could be shared and translated into practical guidance for women at every stage of their sporting journey.

Just as importantly, we wanted to create a welcoming and approachable environment led by women, for women. That wasn’t negotiable. We understood that for many women, particularly within the Arabic and Muslim community, having female mentors, role models and leaders is essential to feeling comfortable, supported and empowered to participate.

From the beginning, the vision was about more than cycling. It was about creating a space where women could learn, grow in confidence, build meaningful connections and realise their potential in sport and beyond.

— Safety is a recurring theme when we talk about women in sport. What does a safe environment actually mean for female athletes — beyond helmets, lights and rules?

— For me, safety within a community is about making every individual feel seen, valued and accepted for where they are on their journey.

Many women join a sporting group carrying insecurities or concerns. They may be completely new to the sport, worried about their fitness level, uncertain of their abilities, or uncomfortable wearing cycling clothing because they feel self-conscious about their body. Others may simply be nervous about stepping into an unfamiliar environment. For a woman to feel truly safe, she needs to know she can be honest about those feelings without fear of judgement.

Creating that environment requires much more than technical expertise. It requires empathy, emotional intelligence and strong leadership. At WMN Moving FWD, we work hard to understand the individual rather than viewing people as part of a collective. Every woman arrives with different experiences, motivations and goals, and it is important that she feels respected and supported regardless of her starting point.

When people feel heard, encouraged and included, confidence begins to grow. They realise they don't have to prove themselves to belong. While every woman may be there for a different reason, they are united by a shared passion for sport. Creating a culture where those differences are embraced, rather than judged, is what truly makes a community feel safe.

— Endurance sports are often framed as “mental toughness.” From your experience, what does endurance really teach women about themselves — mentally and emotionally?

— Endurance sports teach women that they are capable of far more than they often realise. Through endurance training, women develop stamina, patience, resilience and self-belief. It also highlights the importance of consistency over motivation, showing that progress comes from continuing to show up, even when energy levels, emotions or different phases of the menstrual cycle make it challenging. Mentally and emotionally, endurance sports build confidence, adaptability and the ability to trust in one’s strength through both highs and lows.

— There is a quiet but powerful shift happening: more women choosing long-distance, demanding sports. Why do you think endurance is resonating so strongly with women right now?

— I think endurance sports are resonating with women because more women are recognising just how capable they truly are. There is a growing desire to push beyond perceived limits, pursue ambitious goals and challenge themselves in new ways. Endurance sports provide a powerful avenue for that growth, offering both physical and mental challenges that foster confidence, resilience and a deep sense of achievement. As women continue to raise the bar for themselves, they are increasingly drawn to experiences that test their potential and reveal what they are truly capable of.

— WMN Moving FWD isn’t just about cycling — it is about visibility. Why does visibility matter so much, especially for women who don’t see themselves as “athletes” yet?

— Visibility matters because you can’t aspire to something you have never seen represented. When women see people like themselves participating in cycling — regardless of age, background, fitness level or experience — it helps break down the perception that sport is only for a certain type of person. Visibility creates a sense of belonging and shows that you don’t need to identify as an “athlete” to get started. For many women, seeing relatable role models and a supportive community is the first step towards building confidence, trying something new and discovering what they are capable of achieving.

— Social media can be both empowering and intimidating. How do you balance inspiration with honesty, especially in a space where comparison can be brutal?

— It can absolutely be a difficult balance to strike. For me, the most important thing is staying true to yourself and holding onto your authenticity. We often remind the women in our community that it is okay to feel tired, to take a step back when needed and to recognise that progress isn’t always linear.

It is equally important to remember that everyone is on their own journey and moving at their own pace. Comparison is rarely helpful because no two people have the same genetics, lifestyle, available time, responsibilities or priorities. What works for one person may not be right for another.

Social media can be a wonderful source of inspiration and connection, but it can also create unrealistic expectations and encourage unhealthy comparisons. While it gives us access to incredible knowledge and motivation, it is also a space filled with self-proclaimed experts and carefully curated highlights. That is why I encourage women to focus on their own progress, trust the process and celebrate what they are achieving rather than measuring themselves against someone else’s version of success.

— What kind of women come to WMN Moving FWD? Are they beginners, high performers, women in transition — or all of the above?

— WMN Moving FWD attracts a diverse mix of women, which is exactly what we strive for. Inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do, so our community includes everyone from complete beginners taking their first steps into cycling to strong amateur athletes looking to further develop their skills and performance.

Many women join for different reasons. Some are focused on building confidence and fitness, while others have ambitions to progress into competitive cycling. We are particularly proud to see some of our members go on to join racing teams, as our goal is to provide a platform where women can learn, grow and thrive. Even after moving into more competitive environments, many of these riders continue to return to our community for recovery rides and social connections.

We also welcome women whose partners or spouses are cyclists and who want to improve their fitness and skills so they can enjoy riding together. Ultimately, WMN Moving FWD is for any woman who wants to challenge herself, connect with like-minded people and experience the benefits of cycling in a supportive and encouraging environment.

— Have you seen women change through this community? Not just in fitness, but in how they take up space, speak, or trust themselves?

— Absolutely. Watching women grow and transform through this community is one of the most rewarding aspects of the entire project. The changes go far beyond fitness and cycling ability. We see women become more confident, more self-assured and more willing to take up space — both on the bike and in their everyday lives.

It is incredible to watch women who may have started out quiet or hesitant begin speaking up for themselves in the peloton and beyond. Their confidence grows visibly over time, reflected not only in their achievements but also in their body language, mindset and willingness to challenge themselves.

What makes it even more special is the sense of camaraderie and sisterhood that develops within the group. Creating a genuinely supportive environment can sometimes be challenging, particularly in spaces where comparison or competition can creep in. However, one of the things I am most proud of is that the women in our community truly champion one another. Regardless of ability, experience or personal goals, they celebrate each other’s successes, offer support during challenges and create a culture where every woman feels valued and encouraged to thrive.

— Endurance sports can be deeply therapeutic — but also demanding. How do you encourage women to pursue strength without slipping into burnout or self-pressure?

— I always encourage the women in our community to listen to their bodies. In sport, it is common to become highly focused on performance and maintaining fitness, which can sometimes lead to inadequate recovery or not consuming enough calories to support training demands.

One of the messages I regularly share is that “rest is where the results happen” and that, at times, “less is more”. Recognising the signs of fatigue and burnout is incredibly important, and as a project we are committed to educating and supporting women around these topics.

We regularly incorporate workshops covering areas such as nutrition, training across different intensity zones and recovery strategies. We also advocate for a balanced and structured approach to training, helping participants understand that not every cycling session needs to be high intensity. Building variety into a training routine is key to both performance and long-term wellbeing.

In addition, we actively encourage women to include strength training as part of their overall fitness routine. This is a valuable complement to cycling and becomes especially important during perimenopause and menopause, when maintaining muscle mass, bone health and overall strength is particularly beneficial.

— If WMN Moving FWD didn’t exist, what would women in the UAE cycling scene be missing today? What gap does this project quietly but decisively fill?

— They would be missing out on a powerful and empowering community of women who genuinely uplift and support one another. WMN Moving FWD is a welcoming space for women of all backgrounds, abilities and experience levels — a place where every woman can show up as she is and feel encouraged to grow.

Cycling has traditionally been a male-dominated sport, and our community provides an environment where women can build confidence, develop their skills and challenge themselves without feeling intimidated, uncomfortable or pressured beyond their readiness. We believe progress happens when women feel supported, not judged.

Whether someone is a social rider, a weekend warrior or a competitive racer, there is a place for her within our community. We celebrate every journey and create opportunities for women to learn, connect and thrive together, regardless of where they are starting from.

— And finally — if a woman is reading this who feels curious but intimidated… What would you tell her about starting, showing up and moving forward at her own pace?

— There is no need to feel intimidated at WMN Moving FWD. Every single woman in our community started somewhere, and that shared understanding creates a culture of respect, encouragement and support from day one. We believe that every woman is on her own journey and progressing at her own pace. There is no pressure to keep up, no expectation to perform and no comparison. Whether you are completely new to cycling or looking to take your riding to the next level, we meet you where you are and help you grow in a way that feels comfortable and achievable.

Our experienced coaching team provides the right level of guidance and support at every stage, ensuring that women always feel safe, confident and looked after. Time and time again, we see women achieve things they never thought possible — not because they were pushed beyond their limits, but because they were supported to discover their potential.

The hardest part is often taking that first step and getting started. Once you do, we will take care of the rest.