In this special solo episode of Ride to Success, host Pedro Couto Lopes reflects on his journey so far — 74 episodes since launching in February 2024.

Podcasting isn’t easy. Behind the mic, there have been highs, lows, doubts, and incredible opportunities. From interviewing cycling leaders to capturing deeply personal stories of transformation, the common thread has always been the bike and its power to inspire change.

In this episode, Pedro speaks honestly about:

The challenges of being a one-person creator 🎧

The lessons learned from 70+ unique guests 🚴

Why the bike is more than transport — it’s a tool for purpose, creativity, and resilience 💡

The gratitude he feels for every single listener ❤️

This is a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who has tuned in, supported, and believed in Ride to Success. And it’s also a look ahead at what’s next — more inspiring guests, more conversations, and even live events in the future.

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to keep going as a podcaster, this is the episode for you.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast if it resonates with you.

Listen to the podcast:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XhcMcW28Tuk7Vr4XK47TL

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ride-to-success/id1726829754

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtzjN9DhQi18kpAl-h6fuMA

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Social Links to Ride to Success:

Follow Pedro Couto Lopes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedro-couto-lopes/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ridetosuccess/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ridetosuccess/

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Thanks for listening

#RideToSuccess

Carina Hamel of Bivo - Stainless Steel BikeWater Bottles - For Sport, Cycling and Run

What do moldy water bottles, elite skiing, and NASA engineers have in common?

Meet Carina Hamel, former professional Nordic skier turned entrepreneur and co-founder of Bivo, the stainless steel cycling bottle that’s transforming the way riders hydrate.

In this episode of Ride to Success, Carina shares her incredible journey—from racing with Team USA to launching a groundbreaking product disrupting the plastic-dominated cycling industry.

She opens up about:

• The mindset shift from athlete to business leader and mom

• The overlooked health risks of plastic and the science behind Bivo’s clean design

• Working with a former NASA engineer to develop a patented gravity-fed flow system

• Her global insights from product development in China and living in Norway

• Breaking down cycling’s barriers around gender, elitism, and access

• Building a brand rooted in sustainability, fun, and real community

Whether you're a cyclist, startup founder, or someone who values health-conscious design—Carina’s story will inspire you to rethink the way we build, lead, and ride.

Follow Ride to Success for more conversations at the intersection of cycling, innovation, and purpose.

Social Links to Ride to Success:

Follow Pedro Couto Lopes:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedro-couto-lopes/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ridetosuccess/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ridetosuccess/

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#RideToSuccess

Originally published in August 2024

Marion's advocacy for women's cycling and epilepsy awareness remains a driving force in her life. Her efforts to secure professional status for female cyclists in France and her charity work through the "La Marion Clignet" ride exemplify her commitment to these causes. "Sport has really helped me manage epilepsy," she says, highlighting the importance of physical activity in improving health and well-being.

Throughout her career and entrepreneurial journey, Marion has faced numerous challenges, from battling gender inequality in sports to overcoming personal health struggles. Yet, her resilience has always shone through. "Every step back is two steps forward," she asserts, emphasizing the importance of perseverance.

For young women aspiring to enter the world of sports entrepreneurship, Marion offers this advice: "If you want something bad enough, you can control how you get there. The only thing that stops you from realizing a dream is yourself."

Her journey is a powerful reminder that with determination and the right support, barriers can be broken and new paths can be forged.

Marion Clignet's story is one of transformation, from an athlete overcoming personal and societal challenges to an entrepreneur and advocate making a lasting impact on the world of women's sports. Her legacy continues to inspire and empower future generations to pursue their dreams with courage and conviction.

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Marion Clignet faced challenges as a female cyclist in a male-dominated sport and fought for equal pay and opportunities. Listen to her story in the Ride To Success Podcast with Pedro Couto Lopes

Social Links to Ride to Success:

Follow Pedro Couto Lopes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedro-couto-lopes/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ridetosuccess/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ridetosuccess/

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Thanks for listening

#ridetosuccess

Bold, Fearless, and Inspiring: Iris Slappendel's Journey from Professional Cyclist to Designer and Advocate

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Originally published in August 2024

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In the latest episode of the Ride To Success podcast, former professional cyclist Iris Slappendel shared the inspiration and vision behind her innovative cycling apparel brand, I R I S – I Ride In Style.

Iris's journey into the design world began during her teenage years when she started creating her clothes out of personal necessity and passion. However, her dissatisfaction with existing women’s cycling gear motivated her to launch her brand after retiring in 2016. "I wanted to make something that I wanted to wear," she explained, emphasizing her desire to create high-quality, stylish, and comfortable apparel that was missing from the market.

One of the standout aspects of I R I S is its bold and colourful design philosophy. Iris draws inspiration from a variety of sources, including art, fashion, and her travels. "Colors are a thread in all my designs," she mentioned, highlighting her preference for starting with a specific colour palette. This approach ensures that each piece is functional and reflects her vibrant personality and the diverse identities of women worldwide. Her commitment to authenticity and personal expression shines through in every collection, making I R I S a brand that encourages women to embrace their individuality on the bike.

I'm Creating an inclusive space for women to ride and be respected and valued.

Social Links to Ride to Success:

Follow Pedro Couto Lopes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedro-couto-lopes/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ridetosuccess/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ridetosuccess/

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Thanks for listening

#ridetosuccess

Looking Ahead: How Cassondra Spring and Liv Cycling Are Shaping Women's Cycling

Cassondra's vision for the future of Liv Cycling and women's cycling is ambitious and inspiring. She envisions a more inclusive future where cyclists of all backgrounds feel welcomed and supported. Liv Cycling's grassroots programs, ambassador initiatives, and high-profile partnerships like the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift are all steps towards this goal.

Cassondra Spring's leadership at Liv Cycling is a testament to the power of passion, community, and strategic vision. Her work is shaping a more inclusive and supportive future for women's cycling, one pedal stroke at a time.

As the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift continues to grow in prominence, the world will see the extraordinary impact of Liv Cycling's mission and Cassondra's dedication.

Creating an Inclusive Community

Cassondra's personal passion for cycling is deeply intertwined with Liv Cycling's mission to welcome more women and girls into the sport. "I believe that anybody that wants to bike belongs," she stated. Her journey into cycling began in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, where she found a supportive community through local races. This sense of belonging and support has driven her to create similar opportunities for others through Liv Cycling.

As a leader, Cassondra practices strengths-based and servant leadership, focusing on empowering her team and clearing paths for their visibility. She is also an active mentor, participating in programs like Uplift and the Futurist Project. Cassondra believes in the power of mentorship to overcome mentees' challenges like imposter syndrome and to support women in achieving their highest potential.

Liv Cycling fosters a supportive community by partnering with local ambassadors worldwide. These ambassadors organize clinics, rides, and events to engage women at all skill levels. Whether it's gravel riding in Poland or building cycling communities in China, Liv's global ambassador program ensures that women everywhere feel welcomed and supported in their cycling journeys.

Cassondra's approach to building partnerships within the cycling industry is intentional and strategic. She emphasized the importance of working with community catalysts like Ayesha McGowan, member of the Black Foxes, who advocates for more people of color and women of color in the sport. By supporting these champions, Liv Cycling amplifies their impact and drives meaningful change.

Social Links to Ride to Success:

Follow Pedro Couto Lopes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedro-couto-lopes/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ridetosuccess/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ridetosuccess/

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Thanks for listening

#ridetosuccess

The driving force behind Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift

Kate Veronneau's role in championing women's cycling

In a conversation with Pedro Couto Lopes in the Ride To Success podcast, Kate shares her journey from collegiate basketball to competitive cycling and her vision for the future of women's cycling.

Zwift's Role in Championing Women's Cycling

Under her guidance, Zwift sponsors premier events like the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift and Paris-Roubaix Femmes, significantly elevating women's cycling on the global stage. These partnerships increase visibility and underscore the importance of brand investment in the growth of women's cycling. Veronneau believes that sustained investment and media coverage are crucial for advancing gender parity in the sport.

"The races themselves have been absolutely incredible. Like just, you know, nail biting, so exciting, new breakout performances, heroic stages, everything that you'd want at Paris -Roubaix and at Tour de France, we're seeing on the women's side. And, you know, for those of us that have been long time fans of women's cycling, we've known it's there. The characters, the action, the talent. Those breakout performances, but nobody was able to see it."

From the rise in e-sports to the growing demand for more inclusive cycling communities, Veronneau's work is shaping the future of the sport. She emphasizes the power of technology in creating safe and accessible spaces for women cyclists and urges the cycling industry to embrace diversity and innovation.

"It starts with investment. It really does. Because with that investment comes more visibility, which comes with higher valuation, which then attracts more investment. So I think that's what's really going to unlock opportunities for women cyclists to get into the sport and for women to pursue their dreams of becoming pros."

Social Links to Ride to Success:

Follow Pedro Couto Lopes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedro-couto-lopes/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ridetosuccess/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ridetosuccess/

Thanks for listening

#Cycling #Podcast #RideToSuccess

Ride to Success Podcast | Guest: Daisy Lucker

She’s a two-time Guinness World Record holder. She’s rowed across the Atlantic. Circumnavigated Great Britain. And now? She’s about to cycle around the world — with no job, no home, and no turning back.

In this powerful episode of the Ride to Success Podcast, Daisy Lucker shares the behind-the-scenes truth of extreme endurance challenges, the mental shift that changed her life, and why her next adventure might be her hardest yet.

From rowing 3,000 miles with no toilet or privacy, to discovering the unexpected clarity that comes from solo bike rides, Daisy opens up about courage, identity, and what happens when you say yes to the unknown.

Whether you're a cyclist, an adventurer, or just someone craving a mindset shift, this conversation is packed with takeaways to ride more, live braver, and rethink success on your own terms.

In This Episode:

• The emotional toll and triumph of rowing the Atlantic

• How Daisy trained her mind more than her body

• What it really means to "quit everything" and cycle the world

• Redefining success outside traditional career paths

• Practical wisdom for getting unstuck and chasing bold ideas

Join the Ride to Success Podcast community, where we spotlight entrepreneurs, changemakers, and everyday riders using the bike to live bigger, bolder lives.

Subscribe, rate & share to help others ride their own path to success.

🎧 Listen to the Full Episode

Podcast available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

In this powerful episode of the Ride to Success podcast, host Pedro Couto Lopes sits down with British cyclist Connie Hayes — a semi-pro rider for O’Shea Racing, a Geography MRes graduate, and a bold voice for neurodivergent athletes in sport.

Connie opens up about being diagnosed with autism, dyslexia, and dyspraxia in her early 20s — and how those labels, far from limiting her, became the key to unlocking her identity. From racing in elite events like the Women’s Tour of Britain and RideLondon Classique, to hitting rock bottom with injury, burnout, and grief, Connie’s story is a lesson in resilience, honesty, and redefining success.

Topics we cover in this episode:

• What it’s like to race bikes as an autistic athlete

• Masking, late diagnosis, and reclaiming identity

• How injury forced Connie to rediscover the joy of riding

• Why you don’t need to “fit in” to win

• Building better support for neurodivergent individuals in sport

• Connie’s upcoming goal: cycling around the world

If you’ve ever felt like you don’t fit the mould, this conversation will challenge, inspire, and empower you.

Join the Ride to Success Podcast community, where we spotlight entrepreneurs, changemakers, and everyday riders using the bike to live bigger, bolder lives.

Subscribe, rate & share to help others ride their own path to success.

🎧 Listen to the Full Episode

Podcast available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

Social Links to Ride to Success:

Follow Pedro Couto Lopes:https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedro-couto-lopes/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_ridetosuccess/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ridetosuccess/

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Thanks for listening

#RideToSuccess