Cindy Pomares

Cindy Pomares came to the Flandrien Hotel as a scholar, and Jamie Anderson then offered her the role of director of the scholarship programme. She still races for a Continental team, and having come to cycling late — after working as a teacher in Paris — she knows how hard it is when you don't have support behind you.

For Cindy, creating an environment where people can grow, learn and support each other matters as much for the person as for the rider. She tries not to be "the manager", but a friend and a big sister: sharing dinners, races and difficult days, seven days a week, living all together.

"Talent is everywhere, but not the opportunity." Sometimes one meeting or one open door can change a life or a career — it did for her — and her job is to try to open that door for others.