No Excuses, Just Results!

When it comes to dedication, few embody it quite like Caroline Willis. A DEEKA athlete through and through, Caroline is the definition of commitment — the athlete who shows up no matter the weather, who never makes excuses, and who approaches every challenge with curiosity and humility.

Turning to cycling at the age of 50, Caroline has since become one of the top 10 riders in the world in her age group — an extraordinary achievement that speaks volumes about her mindset and work ethic. She’s not just a powerful rider; she’s a reminder that growth doesn’t stop with age — it accelerates when you stay open, consistent, and coachable.

We caught up with Caroline to talk about her journey from horse riding to gravel racing, her experience at the World Championships, and what keeps her motivated to keep pushing boundaries.

Just a quick intro before we get into the questions — tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m a 61-year-old grandmother of one and mother of four — two boys and two girls ranging from 22 to 33 years old! I have a border terrier called Mabel and have been married to my husband John for 36 years. John has always been such a huge supporter of my sporting endeavours!

I used to compete in horse eventing but retired from that in 2013. Around that time, a new spinning studio opened in our village, and that led to my first road bike at 50. Just before lockdown, I did a race training course and as soon as we could, I was racing at Goodwood on the track and doing a few masters races on the road. I also got into some mountain biking in the winter.

I’ve qualified for the road worlds and ridden in Italy, Perth (Scotland), and Denmark. After a shoulder injury and surgery in 2023, I started being coached by Sophie and James — and that really changed everything. I realised how much professional help could take me to the next level.

When did you first discover gravel riding and racing?

I attended a DEEKA Camp in 2025 on my mountain bike, but I had this real feeling that gravel was where I wanted to be!

What made you want to give it a go?

After and during Camp, everybody was talking about this big event called The Gralloch! The buzz was contagious — I knew I had to give it a try.

Going from being a gravel newbie to racing the World Championships is quite a journey! What inspired you to make that your goal?

Having a coach who totally believes in you somehow opens up opportunities that might seem unattainable. That belief really changes your mindset — suddenly the big goals start to feel possible.

What was the hardest part of the last few months?

Transferring my road and MTB skills onto the gravel bike, especially knowing time was short! Luckily, the UK weather played ball and stayed dry, so the trails were actually gravel and dust for once!

What was it like lining up with the world’s best?

It felt daunting, exciting, and a little overwhelming! A friend texted me before the start saying, “Just ride your bike — that’s what you do.” That really stuck with me.

As the pens started moving forward, the excitement built — this was it. I didn’t want to let anyone down, but I also wanted to enjoy it. I had done the training, and James was in my head the whole way!

How did you find the course?

On paper, it was flatter than Wales or The Gralloch, and the gravel looked easier — but it was still technical with so many turns and a really fast pace. I worried about fuelling and handling, especially with the climbs coming late in the course.

Riding the route the day before was insanely helpful. On race day, it flowed beautifully — fast, varied, and really well supported. A great area to gravel in!

Did you do any specific prep for it?

Yes — I only rode my gravel bike and worked a lot on upper body and core strength after The Gralloch. That definitely paid off.

What advice would you give to someone in a similar position who wants to try gravel?

Transitioning from road to gravel can be tough, so I’d recommend doing a bit of MTB first to build confidence. I also hired a gravel bike a couple of times and joined group rides to get a proper feel for it.

Have you caught the gravel bug now? What’s next?

I really have! I think next year The Nationals are calling me.

Closing Thoughts

Caroline Willis is proof that success isn’t about age, weather, or perfect conditions — it’s about mindset. Her willingness to be open, vulnerable, and relentlessly consistent has taken her from a spinning class in her village to lining up with the best gravel riders in the world.

At DEEKA, we often talk about the power of showing up — and Caroline embodies that in every sense. No excuses, no shortcuts, just quiet determination and an unwavering belief in what’s possible when you put the work in.

Here’s to more adventures, more gravel, and more moments that prove it’s never too late to chase new horizons.