Having only started cycling in 2018, Biola immersed herself in the community, showing great enthusiasm for her own progression and that of other women too. She is the chair of Velociposse, a club for women and non-binary people in London. Biola is relentless in her energy to push the club forward and increase diversity, collaborating with the Women of Colour Cycling Collective.

Biola Babawale said…

“I spent most of my childhood on bikes in my local park, tearing it up at the BMX track. But, sadly, like a lot of girls, I stopped riding during my adolescence.

"I rediscovered cycling while at uni in London using it as an affordable means to commute. But it was not until the summer of 2018 when looking to take control of my mental and physical health, I turned to cycling.

"I was so fortunate in my search, to stumble upon the inclusive community of Velociposse, my cycling club. With their encouragement, help and advice, I bought my first road bike and felt so empowered to be adventurous and self-sufficient. By the end of my first year of cycling, I’d raced several crits, tried my hand at road races, fallen in love with track and even attempted a hill climb race. Not bad when starting out! 

I've learnt so much and met some truly incredible people. But I'm not done yet! As chair of Velociposse I want to pay it forward and give back to the sport I love, encouraging more women and non-binary people to cycle and race

Biola Babawale

"Being part of Velociposse has given me great ways to give back to the sport I love. I was so proud to chair our panel encouraging more women to race. And I was so honoured to host an event that gets under the hood of one of the most iconic ultra-distance bike races, the Transcontinental Race (TCR). Like everything I do in cycling, this took me well outside my comfort zone, and I was well-rewarded. The stories from the racers, race organisers, photographers and, in particular, Fiona Kolbinger, the winner of the TCR No 7, were incredible and inspired me to get a gravel bike and go exploring off-road.

"I've learnt so much and met some truly incredible people. But I'm not done yet! As chair of Velociposse I want to pay it forward and give back to the sport I love, encouraging more women and non-binary people to cycle and race."

Nominated by…

Biola was nominated for the 100 Women in Cycling by Thea Smith, who said: “Biola arrived at the club with no experience in cycling, but quickly got stuck in and her enthusiasm was infectious. She said yes to new experiences, began organising events, and is now the chair of the committee - all within a couple of years. She is relentless in her energy to push the club forward, increase diversity, and is an all round inspiration and perfect person to lead this unique club to achieving its potential. We couldn't do it without her."

Yewande Adesda also nominated Biola and said: "Biola inspires me because she is always keen to get stuck in and isn't afraid of stepping outside of her comfort zone. She positively promotes diversity in cycling as a chairperson, rider, racer and ambassador for Veloccio. All of this she does alongside an intense career and her own training, which I seriously admire!"