In the world of cycling, resilience and determination often define the path to success. Eli Nuspan's journey is a reflection of this, from a hopeful career overseas, to a life-altering accident and having to find her passion again, Eli's story is one of overcoming adversity and finding new purpose on two wheels.
Eli's started racing from a very young age, she loved the competitive nature of bike racing and saw some very strong results at a National and International level as an under 19 junior.
These results led to her cycling career taking a promising turn when she had the opportunity to join a Dutch team in early 2020. Little did she know that the global pandemic would disrupt her plans. Living in the Netherlands for almost eight months, Eli faced cancellations of training and races due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Missing the feeling of home, but wanting to keep her dream alive, Eli moved back to Italy, where her mothers family is from - embarking on 10-hour train journeys with her bike and luggage to participate in any race she could find, showcasing her deep desire to compete.
Her hard work paid off, an Italian UCI team reached out and asked her to join their roster.
After the covid set back, things were looking positive for Eli. She had found a home in a familiar environment, was racing her bike at a UCI level and secured her first top 10 result.
However, fate took an unexpected turn after a successful race in the Tour of Serbia. Just a week later, Eli's life took a drastic change when she was hit by a car. The severity of her injuries left her n a state of uncertainty, spending the next 42 days in the hospital.
The aftermath of the accident led Eli to a personal crossroads. Struggling with the psychological impact, she found solace in a surprising place—the world of mountain biking. A decision to work in a bike shop and invest in her first dual suspension mountain bike marked a pivotal moment. Riding became a source of joy and a path to recovery, reigniting Eli's passion for cycling.
In 2023, Roxsolt presented Eli with a golden opportunity to join their team. Recognizing the significance of community in cycling, Eli embraced the chance to be a part of something greater.
Watch her story as she details her journey and where it has led her to date, this is no where close to the end, just a new chapter.
