Alison Jackson on strengthening women’s racing and what road cycling can learn from gravel

Suvi Loponen, Cor Vos

Alison Jackson blurs the line between pro athlete and larger-than-life personality better than almost anyone in cycling, known as much for her exuberant dance moves off the bike as the results she has delivered on it.

But beneath the high-energy exterior is a rider deeply engaged with the future of the sport, from how teams are built and races covered, to why gravel racing’s community-first atmosphere offers lessons road cycling still hasn’t fully embraced.

Ahead of the Gralloch UCI gravel race in Scotland, Jackson sat down with Escape Collective to talk about the differences between the two disciplines, why she believes gravel’s community-focused atmosphere has value beyond competition, and how her move to a new team has forced her to think differently about tactics and leadership.

She also spoke candidly about the balance between fun and professionalism in elite sport, the growth of women’s cycling, and why better storytelling and race coverage remain essential for the sport’s future.

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