Emily Chappell on winning the Transcontinental, crying with joy on the streets of Paris and learning how to enjoy non-extreme cycling

Emily Chappell went from being a bike messenger in London to winning the Transcontinental, a 4000km race across Europe, in 2016. But cycling is far more than a physical test for her. Her relationship with the sport has changed many times over the years and it has become a community, a way to travel, a way to live and a cause to further. On a ride from her home in Kendall, to which she’s recently moved, she talks about relearning her love of riding for its own sake, and how an early love of the Tour de France came full circle in a wonderful moment on the streets of Paris. 

A Life More Wild is an 18Sixty production, brought to you by Canopy & Stars. Production by Clarissa Maycock. Our theme music is by Billie Marten.