24-year-old Imogen Alton (Women's Racing Project) found her way onto Zwift in the middle of 2020, in the months after her mother's diagnosis of ALS. The escape to the virtual world of Zwift provided an escape, but also a way for her to make a positive impact during a time of helplessness.
"After she was diagnosed last year, I was lost," Alton said in an interview with SBS Cycling Central. "I felt helpless, like I couldn’t do anything. There was no cure, no treatment options, nothing you can do but wait. It’s brutal.
"I completed a virtual Everesting last year to raise awareness and funds for MND research. That’s what I thought I could do. I can’t help my mum, I can’t do anything... but I can ride my bike so that’s what I’m going to do."
The transition to the Zwift Academy was a natural extension for the former rower turned cyclist, one that fuels her competitive urges and looks set to give the biggest opportunity of her young career.
“After that Zwift Academy 2020 happened and I thought ‘Oh, I’ll have a go at that," said Alton. "I think I need a challenge, something that will give me that purpose and drive. I fell in love with the program, went to everyone I could and told them to give the workouts a crack because they were brutal.
“This year, mum’s disease state progressed, she passed away in July. I felt that same lost, hopeless and purposeless feeling that I had when she was first diagnosed. It was almost a blessing that Zwift Academy started in August, it worked as an outlet and form of escape for me again this year.
"I pushed myself in those sessions, absolutely buried myself. I had focus, I had drive and I was able to concentrate on something that wasn’t happening in my real life. It was the ultimate form of confidence and esteem building."
Her confidence should be sky-high at present, one of just ten cyclists - five female, five male - selected from the over 150,000 riders that took part in the workouts. But the exercise science and nutritionist has a very easy-going personality, and is motivated as much by the chance for exploration as the potential professional contract with women's WorldTour outfit Canyon-SRAM.
Imogen Alton of Women's Racing Project progressed through to the finals of the Zwift Academy 2021. Source: Zwift
“I’m adventurous, that’s one of the reasons that I love cycling," said Alton. "To be able to explore a place that you’ve never been before on roads that you can’t appreciate unless you’re riding them. To climb up climbs and see sights… I’d love to do that in Mallorca."
Alton will find herself in good company in the cycling paradise, with four other Australians; Rachael Wales, Sam Hill, Cooper Sayers and Alex Bogna all joining her for the Zwift Academy finals. The winners last year were both Australians, with Jay Vine and Neve Bradbury excelling during competition to win their maiden professional deals in the sport.
Alton has a secret weapon with former Zwift Academy 2019 winner, Jessica Pratt, in her corner as well.
“As soon as I was able to, I was like ‘what do I do?", said Alton of her relationship with Pratt. "She’s been so helpful, absolutely kind and beautiful. She’s given me some helpful pointers, but the take-home message is to have fun and how can you not when you’ve been presented with such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
That mindset will mean that whatever the result in the finals, Alton will come out a winner, and while the finals will be a step up, she's certainly already surmounted some massive challenges on Zwift.
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