Fiona Mangan searches for a way to describe how she went from taking up cycling in late 2020 to becoming the first Irish woman to complete one of the sport's Grand Tours.
"I think I've just been really stubborn," she laughs. "Growing up I just really liked making the most of every situation and trying to see out everything that I do."
Mangan, 27, rode for the Spanish team Soltec in the Vuelta Femenina at the start of May. Seven days in total. It was only after the first stage, a time trial, that she learned she could be an Irish trailblazer.
