From SA Kick It to the Giro: Chantelle’s rise highlights the power of the ProVelo Super League!

Chantelle
1 day ago

When Chantelle lined up at SA Kick It in January, she had never raced at national level. It was her first time in a large peloton, and understandably, nerves were high.

Fast forward just a few months, and she’s found herself racing in Italy at the Giro D’Italia —an incredible progression that demonstrates exactly why the ProVelo Super League (PSL) and its Women’s Cycling Development Initiative (WCDI) are fast becoming Australia’s most important platforms for emerging cycling talent.

“I was scared and overwhelmed,” Chantelle reflects. 

“But that first PSL experience gave me the foundation I needed to head to Europe. Now, I’m racing up mountains against the world’s best, conquering my fears, and learning so much every day. It’s been a year of incredible growth.”

That growth came to life during the Melbourne to Warrnambool, where Chantelle’s solo breakaway effort boosted her belief that she belonged in the League—and beyond.

“That ride helped me realise I had the strength and mindset to make it in the bunch,” she says. 

“I carried that mentality with me to Europe and it paid off with a solo stage win at the Giro Della Marche in Rosa.”

While the transition to European racing has been steep, faster, more aggressive, and in much larger pelotons, it’s one that suits her style.

“The aggressive racing in Europe has actually suited me. I’ve enjoyed every moment so far.”

Her call-up to the Giro came as a surprise.

“When I found out I’d been selected, I honestly didn’t believe it. It was an incredible moment. Even though a crash in Stage 2 took me out, I’ve learned so much already. I’ll be watching and reflecting on what this opportunity has meant.”

For the Women’s Cycling Development Initiative (WCDI), Chantelle’s journey is a powerful example of what’s possible when talent, opportunity, and support align.

“It’s been incredible watching her confidence grow through the PSL,” says the WCDI Team Manager, Maddie. 

“For a rider from regional Queensland, PSL offered high-quality racing in a team environment that was accessible and impactful.” 

Chantelle’s Giro debut is more than a personal milestone—it’s proof that the PSL is transforming Australia’s road racing scene and delivering on its promise to open the door to Europe.

“As a development team, we’re here to help riders grow, and Chantelle’s progression this year is a textbook example of what we aim to do. We couldn’t be prouder of her.”

The New Era of Australian Women’s Cycling

The rise of the PSL is helping to guide a new chapter for Australian women’s cycling. A compact, competitive race calendar, team-based structures, and national exposure are giving more riders the springboard they need to launch their international careers.

“We’re big supporters of the PSL pathway that’s emerging,” Maddie, WCDI Team Manager explains. 

“We don’t have the means to run our own European pathway, so partnerships like the Down Under Cycling Academy and the Kasseien Fiets Huis in Belgium are vital. With sponsor support, we’ve helped our riders take those next steps this year and we’ll keep building from here.”

WCDI extended its thanks to its network of loyal supporters—including Balmoral Cycling Club, Doval Constructions, Salire, Green Hills Estate, Terango Capital, Argyle Jewellers Brisbane, Dr Huddy Fuller, North West Healthy Women, Met Helmets/Advance Traders and Pure Sports Nutrition—who are backing the vision of creating sustainable development pathways.

More Than a Racing League

For riders like Chantelle, the ProVelo Super League isn’t just a racing league, it’s a launching pad to the global stage. As her story shows, with the right platform and support, Australian riders can thrive on the world stage and inspire the next wave of talent to follow in their wheels.

“If you’re coming through the PSL and dreaming of Europe,” Chantelle says, “just keep throwing yourself into every opportunity. Not every race will go your way—but that’s bike racing. Keep going. You never know where it might lead.”

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