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My name is Ana Large. I am 17 years old and am from Kelowna, BC. I race road and cyclocross, and I am a Junior on TaG Cycling Race Team. I am supported by Giant Bicycle Canada. I have been racing since 2012. Until 2019, I split my year between alpine ski racing and cycling, but when I had to pick one sport to take to the highest level possible, it was an easy choice for me. I love racing and I love my bike. It truly makes me happy.
COVID put a massive roadblock in my plans for 2020. My goals were all related to race results across Canada and Europe. I was devastated when my race season was suddenly non-existent. I continued to train under the direction of my coach Jordan Cheyne and hoped that maybe things would change. I am lucky to be from a family that loves outdoor adventures. My dad, Colby Large (BCSales Manager Giant Bicycles Canada) is my number one fan and supporter, and this year planned an epic adventure that would test all my limits.

In May, my dad called me into his office and asked if I wanted to go on a 270km ride on Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, around the entire Okanagan Lake. The route was going to be a mix of gravel, road, single track, double track, gnarly descents, hike a bike, and guaranteed good times. My immediate response was, to ride the 160km road portion only, which is the classic Kelowna around the lake ride. From that day, my dad told me I was capable of doing the full route. Fast forward to three days before the ride, after a month of thinking, I committed to complete the full 270km.

4:30 am alarm goes off, fuel is prepared, some of my favourite adventure-seeking riders in the local cycling community roll into our driveway. Everyone is excited, nervous, and prepared for a huge day on the bike. 5:00 am, we set out for the epic day ahead.

Father and daughter smile before the long day ahead

The 110k gravel portion, which would covered the South Side of Okanagan Lake was definitely the best part of the day. The ride started climbing up Chute Lake FSR to the Kettle Valley Railway, which was steep, technical, and long. Once we reached the top of the climb to the KVR, as usual, my dad entertained the group riding through “puddles” that looked liked the size of small ponds. Riding the KVR into Penticton after the long grind up Chute Lake was a welcome change of pace. Once we reached the road in Peachland, fatigue set in. The thought of my mom waiting at the halfway point in West Kelowna, with my TCR Advanced Pro 0, a change of shoes, and fuel was definitely what kept me pushing through.

Looking out over the lake

Halfway! 120km. As soon as I saw my mom, I wanted to quit. My feet were numb, my legs were destroyed from the steep climbs and my mental game was weak. Tough love is something my parents have always given me in sport. When I told my mom how I felt, she asked me, “What did you expect?” and then told me, not to sell myself short. I knew I had set out a challenge and wanted to achieve my goal. So I changed up the bike, ate, and got my mind back on track. A new road crew joined us to finish the day, including some Crit Nasty ladies, who were encouraging and really added a good vibe to the group. Westside Road to Vernon is stunning and always makes me feel lucky to be from the Okanagan. I feel great back on my TCR, and know I am going to finish this ride.

Colby forges the deep puddles - Ana tackles the rough roads


Vernon to Kelowna, it’s hot, I’m tired, but I am more determined than I have been all day to finish the ride. Back on the Rail Trail, riding beside Kalamalka Lake on gravel. At this point I realize, I am strong enough to finish the ride.

On the road back to Kelowna

Lined out along the lake

6:00 pm, home stretch. I know that I am minutes away from my house, and I start to hear cowbells. My family and neighbours are lining my street, cheering for our group. This isn’t a race finish line, but it feels amazing. 270km, 3034m elevation, 10.5 hours. What a day!

Ana and Colby ripping down another FSR

I’m super thankful that I have family, TaG Cycling Race Team, and a community that pushes me to go beyond where sometimes I think is possible. I am really excited to carry forward the physical and mental strength I have gained during the summer of COVID into my future race seasons.
I am more committed to the sport than ever and can’t wait to see where my bike takes me next.

Colby Large hyping up the group

Photos by Deon Nel Photography

Words by Ana Large.

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