Ann Kitchen: Determination, Teamwork and the Power of Consistency 🇬🇧

For Ann Kitchen, cycling wasn’t the first sport she loved — but it became the one that refused to let her go.

Based in Newark, Nottinghamshire, Ann is one of SISU Racing’s most determined and respected riders. Whether she’s racing in ZRL, leading rides for the community, or helping drive SISU’s mission to advance women in cycling esports, she embodies the resilience that defines the SISU spirit.

And like many great cycling stories, it began with a setback.

From National-Level Runner to Cyclist

Ann spent decades competing in athletics. From the age of 13 through to her late 30s she raced at national level, specialising in sprint events from 100m to 400m, while also competing in cross-country during the winter.

But persistent Achilles injuries eventually forced her to stop running altogether — something she admits was incredibly difficult to accept.

Cycling became the outlet.

She started riding local trail centres, pushing herself faster and faster. But fitness sometimes outpaced bike-handling skills, resulting in plenty of bruises, grazes — and even a few trips for stitches.

Eventually she transitioned to road cycling.

The speed hooked her.

Time trials, sportives, and eventually her first road race at the Tour of Cambridge followed.

Zwift Changed Everything

Ann had heard about Zwift before, but it wasn’t until Covid that indoor racing truly became part of her life.

She bought a trainer, entered a time trial… and discovered just how relentless Zwift racing could be.

Instead of backing away, she came back the following week determined to improve.

Tour de Zwift cemented the habit.

Soon after, she discovered team time trial racing — and everything clicked.

After her original team folded, Ann reached out to several riders and rebuilt the squad herself. More than two years later, they are still racing together.

She now also races with SISU Racing in ZRL, where the team element continues to drive her.

A Kitchen Turned Pain Cave

Ann’s training setup is a perfect example of SISU practicality.

Her pain cave sits in the kitchen/diner, where the dining table has been dismantled to allow her bike to remain permanently set up.

Music is essential — a mix of dance, rock and drum and bass.

Coffee? A decaf before the ride.

And she’s firmly a night owl racer, performing best in the evenings when the watts start to flow.

Determined — Possibly Stubborn

Ask Ann to describe herself as a rider and she keeps it simple.

“Determined — possibly stubborn. I don’t give up, even when sometimes I probably should.”

That mindset has carried her through numerous injuries including:

• Torn calf muscles

• Achilles tendinitis

• A dislocated knee

• Two bouts of Covid in the past year

But setbacks haven’t stopped her.

They’ve sharpened her focus.

Her advice for others dealing with long-term injuries is clear:

“Don’t focus on what you can’t do — focus on what you can.”

Consistency Over Everything

If there is one habit Ann believes in above all else, it’s consistency.

Having a plan for every ride helps remove friction and wasted time.

“Make riding part of your routine. Know what you’re going to do before you get on the bike.”

But she also stresses patience — something she admits she learned the hard way.

“It’s easy to want results quickly. Progress comes with consistency, but it’s just as important to recognise when your body needs a break.”

Mind Over Matter

Cycling has taught Ann one powerful lesson that extends far beyond the bike.

“When you think your legs are done, there’s always a bit more there.”

The mind often unlocks what the body believes is impossible.

Leading the Way for Women in Cycling

Ann is a passionate advocate for increasing women’s participation in cycling esports and is a key member of the SISU Women’s Leadership Team.

She sees first-hand how much work remains to be done.

“Far fewer women take part compared to men. It’s incredibly important to create an environment where women feel supported, visible and encouraged to progress.”

Her leadership extends beyond racing. Ann is also the only female ride leader on the GT Crew roster, where she continues to lead rides and encourage more women to join the sport.

International Women’s Day Ride

Ann rode in SISU Racing’s International Women’s Day event on March 8, marking a major milestone in the team’s commitment to advancing women in esports cycling.

Her message to women on Zwift is simple:

“Get involved and join the chat. It’s a great opportunity to ride with like-minded women in a safe and supportive environment.”

It’s a celebration — not just a ride.

A Surprising Ride Lead with Cycling Royalty

One of Ann’s most memorable Zwift experiences came through a bit of humour.

During a regular ride led by Geraint Thomas and Tom Fordyce, both hosts were unavailable. Sir Chris Hoy and Dame Laura Kenny stepped in one week.

The following week Geraint still needed help.

Ann jokingly volunteered.

To her surprise, someone from Geraint’s team contacted her and asked if she would actually ride lead alongside him.

She said yes.

Five years later, she’s still leading rides.

Looking Ahead to 2026

After a difficult year filled with illness and injuries, Ann’s goal for 2026 is straightforward but powerful:

Return to full fitness and race again in the A category.

Given her determination, few would doubt she’ll get there.

The SISU Spirit

When asked to complete the sentence:

“SISU Racing is…”

Ann replied:

“Teammates who motivate you on your best and worst days and feeling part of something bigger, even when you’re racing alone at home.”

From national-level sprinting tracks to Zwift team time trials…

From injuries to leadership…

From a dismantled dining table to the front of the SISU community.

Ann Kitchen proves that determination — and a little stubbornness — can take you a very long way. 🚴‍♀️