Cynisca Cycling

Mara Roldan

Mara Roldan

Canada   

HOMETOWN: Whitehorse, Yukon (Current: Victoria, British Columbia)

DOB: 7 April 2004

Mara began riding mountain bikes at the age of 9 during a family trip to the cyclists paradise of Moab, Utah. At age 13, she competed in first mountain bike race under a blazing Arizona sun, wearing leggings, a t-shirt and sneakers. From that day forward, she was hooked. She went on to win the following two races in her category, motivating her further.

For the next few years, Mara raced exclusively on mountain bikes. She was “forced” to race a road bike in 2019 because she wanted to qualify for the Western Canada Summer Games, which involved both road and mountain bike disciplines. She not only learned to ride a road bike, but she won a bronze medal – the first female Yukoner to do so.

 Since racing with Cynisca this year, Mara has been racking up some impressive results including:

  • Redlands Bicycle Classic – Stages 1 & 5 wins, 3rd in GC
  • Bretagne Ladies Tour Ceratizit – 14th GC
  • Canadian National U23 Road Race Champion
  • Canadian National U23 ITT Champion
  • Canadian National Elite Road Race – 3rd 
  • Volta a Portugal Feminina UCI Stage Race: Stage 2 win, top ten in stages 1 & 4, 11th GC

When she isn’t training or racing her road or mountain bike, Mara is busy studying for a B.A. in Kinesiology at Camosun College on Vancouver Island or baking sourdough bread.

Follow her on Instagram: mara.roldan.mtb

SCROLL down for  Q&A …

Q&A with Mara:

What are your goals?

My goals within cycling are to make it to the highest level I can in road and mountain biking. I want to be durable and tough as I progress within my sport. I want to grow as an athlete, and contribute to my team’s growth and success. I want to race professionally, make it to the TDFF and represent my country on the world tour level. I also want to inspire young women to get involved into cycling. I want to help young women see their potential and pursue their own goals within the sport.

What do you consider your strengths in cycling?

I believe my strengths are punchy efforts, especially on short climbs, and sprinting. I also have good descending and cornering skills and can move up in big packs and ride aggressively when needed. 

What do you consider your strengths off the bike?

 I like to work on my weaknesses, such as getting stronger in the gym to minimize injury. I work hard on my mental strength and practice having a positive mindset. I am quite disciplined when it comes to my routine as well, such as getting good sleep, stretching, eating well, etc. 

Do you have family members who ride?

My entire family rides. My dad did a few races when I was younger but no longer competes. My mom rides as well but has never raced. My sisters both ride as well, but only my younger sister still races competitively. 

Special awards, other than race wins?

 I was the first ever Yukon female to win a medal (bronze) in cycling at a multi discipline event at the 2019 Western Canada Summer Games. I was also the Yukon’s flag bearer at the 2022 Canada Summer Games.

Who are your role models?

 I have been lucky to grow up surrounded by so many people who inspire me, all the way from my parents, to my coach, to my Red Truck team leader Brenna, as well as my Bridge the Gap mentor Sara Poidevin. They all have so much valuable knowledge and experiences to share and I have improved and grown immensely as a rider and person thanks to them. 

Where is your favorite place to ride?

I really enjoy riding my bike in the winding roads of Europe, especially Belgium, Netherlands and France. I also love riding in Arizona, and in my home mountains in the Yukon. 

What’s your super power?

 Positivity is my super power. I am that cheerful friend or teammate who always tries to look at the bright side in hard situations. It helps me better control my anxious thoughts and stress, as well as not waste energy putting all my focus on negative self talk. 

Craziest thing you’ve ever done?

I lived for almost 10 years in a vintage 1984 RV with my entire family. We have travelled all around North America and explored countless destinations to bike, hike and rock climb. I was homeschooled as a child and switched to online school when I got to high school. As crazy as it sounds I have spent more time living in campgrounds and in nature than inside of actual house. I am eternally grateful to have had the opportunity to experience life, and see new places and cultures through living this lifestyle. 

Follow us as we help talented women climb to the top of the podium!