Modern Pentathlon medallist Heather Fell joins the Cannondale Girls cycling team

She will be representing the women’s only team in triathlon and cycling events this season and Fell will add to the strength and depth of the diverse cycling team that already consists of multi event cyclists Adel Tyson-Bloor, Maxine Filby and Emily Benham.

 

Since retirement from Modern Pentathlon three years ago, the Beijing 2008 silver medallist has continued to challenge herself both physically and mentally.

 

Events included cycling from Lands End to John O’Groates with the Bath Rugby Foundation, sailing across the Atlantic as part of the Clipper round the world race and more recently competing in her first triathlon going straight in at the half Ironman distance.

 

On joining the team Fell said:

 

“I am honoured and delighted to be joining a team that is made up of such a driven and successful group of girls. This is an exciting time in my sporting career, to be able to take this next step with supportive teammates and sponsors is just a dream come true.

 

"I truly believe in the team ethos of strong women encouraging other women to go out and try new things. Supporting others to get active and find enjoyment in sport is something I have always felt so passionate about.”

 

Fell signed up to ride the length of Britain in aid of the Bath Rugby Foundation.

 

Having only sat on a road bike for the first time a few months prior it was a tall order but one the she took in her stride. Since completing the one thousand mile ride Fell has not looked back and has experimented with different cycling disciplines.

 

The new found love of cycling combined with the search of a new challenge lead the Olympian towards triathlon. Competing in her first triathlon event the Outlaw Half in Nottingham two years ago Fell finished first in her age group and fifth overall. Having now competed in two half Ironman distance triathlons she is making the step up to a full Ironman and plans to compete in South Africa on 2nd April 2017.

 

The former Modern Pentathlete is looking forward to this new challenge:

 

“I must admit this is a big step up and quite a task after just five months of training," she said.

 

"I have the advantage now of a Cannondale time trial bike and a supportive team behind me but I still expect this to be the hardest event yet in my sporting career.

 

"I had a significant set back after being knocked off my bike in January which put me back the best part of a month but I’ve continued to work closely with my coach Paul Ransome to make up for this lost time.”