Francesca Selva - A force of one

 

Meet Francesca Selva, an Italian cyclist who has battled against crashes, eating dis-orders and heart problems, all while supporting herself as what she calls a freelance professional cyclist.

You may think that life as a 'pro' cyclist is easy; just ride your bike, eat, sleep and repeat, right? For many riders, particularly women, pro life isn't that simple. If you're not riding for one of the big teams, support tends to be minimal. Not because the teams are parsimonious, just that they are often operating on a shoestring. This means that Francesca has had to become something of a logistical expert. She sorts her own flights, hotels, sponsors, everything needed to keep her racing.

Francesca rides for Team Torelli in Europe and Team Pickle Juice in the US, both of which allow her to race track and road. While Francesca started out on the road, it was on the velodrome that she found success. Among her palmares are multiple 6-day victories, World Championship medals and road victories. But it's not just road and track, she's also been national champion in cyclo-cross and fixed-crit racing!

We got Francesca to answer some questions as she gets ready to return to Europe after a summer racing criteriums in the US

Where were you born?

I was born in Venice, Italy.

How did you start cycling — were you from a cycling family?
Not really! Everyone in my family is a motorcyclist; they’re more clever than me! My brother started racing when he was fourteen and the father of one of his teammates - who had a kids’ team - let me try a little bike one Sunday. The week after, I was racing; I was 8 years old.

What attracted you to cycling? Was it love at first ride, or did you try other sports first?
I’ve always loved sports. Any time I had a chance to try something new, I did. When I first started cycling, I was already competing in swimming and skiing. Later I tried other sports too, but cycling is the one that stuck.

When did you start to think, “I’m good at this”?
I’ve always been competitive in sports and in life. As a kid I was winning a lot, so it felt like a game. But between fourteen and junior years I struggled with injuries, especially with my knees. I kept fighting because I knew I had more to give to the sport.
The moment I realized I was better than I believed was when I won silver at the Track World Cup. Being selected for the national team at 23 is rare, and that was huge for me.

How good does it feel to pull on the Italian jersey?
It’s massive. People often ask why I keep racing even if I don’t make money or ride for a big team. But when they see me represent Italy, they immediately understand there’s nothing higher than that.

You’re a regular at 6-day events — could you explain what they are and why you love them?
A 6-day is basically a party with bike racing! It’s like a stage race, but instead of time gaps we race for laps and points. Most races are in pairs, and a lot of the formats aren’t ordinary - like the team elimination - which makes them so much fun. That’s why I love them.

You’ve had setbacks with injuries. What keeps you coming back?
I always knew I had more to give and wanted to prove - to others and to myself - that I could do it. But mostly, I just love bike racing. I can’t imagine life without it. And lately I’ve realised young riders are inspired by me, even if in my head I’m a “nobody.” That pushes me even more to keep going my own unconventional way.

In the UK we imagine cycling in Italy as sunshine, empty roads, and perfect coffee. Is that true?

Italy is the most beautiful country in the world, but sadly it’s a jungle for cyclists. There’s very little respect on the road for cyclists.

Where’s the best place you’ve ridden?

The Dolomites, close to home. They always leave me breathless.

And the best place to race?

I’d say the USA, because of the 'crit' racing. Dallas in particular, as that's where I am now!

You ride track, cyclo-cross, road, and crits — do you have a favorite?

Right now my list would look like this:

1. Crits
   
2. Track
3. Cyclo-cross
4. Road

Your track bike handlebars look very different from road bars. Why?
It’s all about speed and aerodynamics. The size and hooks let you hold a pursuit position even in bunch racing.

Women’s cycling is growing, but you often race independently, handling everything yourself. Do you ever wish you were on a big team?
Women’s cycling is growing at the top level, but many smaller teams are closing. Sometimes I dream of just being a cyclist, paid to ride. But maybe that wasn’t my destiny. Instead, I keep going my way - even if it means sleeping in airports and on sofas.
I’m lucky that people donate or host me around the world. Every little help makes it possible. And I want to prove to young riders that you don’t need a big team to make it. It’s not easy, but there is always a way.

Recently you returned to cycling after being diagnosed with myocarditis. How did that develop, and how did you recover?
I caught Covid in October and kept racing, which made the infection spread. I got to the point where I was seriously risking my life. Luckily, complete rest was the only medicine I needed - three months of being a couch potato!

After recovery, you chose to race in the US. Why?
 It had been a dream since 2018 to race crits in the USA. I always postponed - because of work, the national team, or thinking I had plenty of time. After the myocarditis, I realised I might never get the chance. So when I was cleared to ride again, I told myself: “I’m going to America.” And I did!

How did it go — and can we follow your journey somewhere?

It went how I hoped, but not how I expected. I only had 100 days of preparation and I  wasn’t in top shape, so I expected to achieve less than I actually did!

Yes! You can follow me on my YouTube channel, Ride with Franci. I upload weekly blogs from my first training in March to my last race in the USA.

Francesca's bikes

Francesca rides on Handsling's A1R0evo and TR3evo. Both frames are UCI-approved for competition at the highest level, which is just what Francesca needs in her pursuit of victory.

The TR3evo frame is a UCI-approved, full carbon track frame with a unique design that gives it truly exceptional handling from the super stiff and aerodynamic tube profiles. The frame was designed in-house from scratch to achieve real world aerodynamic performance, combined with the toughness to sustain minor knocks.

Handsling's A1R0evo is a race proven - used by three pro-continental teams and Francesca to win multiple races - do-it-all aero road bike. Again, designed in-house to be fast and stiff, yet still comfortable on epic days out.

Handsling are in the fortunate position of being able to control all aspects of production and actually own the moulds which we use to make our bikes. Both frames can be customised to create your own bike. Choose your colour, groupset, wheels, saddle; it's your choice, your bike!

If you'd like to help Francesca on her journey, click on this link.