Welcome to Strong Girl Talk, where we dive into the latest in sports science, performance, and well-being—all with a focus on women and girls in sport. This week Sasha and Molly talk with Timia Porter, a cycling advocate who’s riding and racing for change for Black women in the sport. From community rides to systemic shifts, Timia shares how she’s creating space, building joy, and challenging the status quo—one pedal stroke at a time.
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Who is Timia Porter? She’s @TheeCarbonQueen “making a positive impact” as she says in her instagram bio.
Listen to this episode to learn more about her journey into cycling, how Crit (or Criterium) racing captured her heart, and why she’s committed to reclaiming space for Black women and girls in the sport. We talk about the realities of breaking into cycling, the importance of community, and how Timia is using the bike not just to race—but to heal.
You’ll hear her reflections on navigating ADHD in a high-performance space, the role of belief in coaching and racing, and what it means to show up with purpose. We also dig into the deeper barriers—those often left unspoken—for women and BIPOC athletes, and what it’ll take to make competitive cycling more welcoming.
Whether you’re new to the sport or have been riding for years, this one will leave you thinking, laughing, and inspired to roll forward with intention.
Before we get into the conversation with Timia, we cover a few key updates in the world of sport including:
* Molly’s recent announcement that she’s on of the co-hosts of a new pod, QueenStage, “From Grand Tours to gravel, from strategy breakdowns to culture deep-dives, this is women’s cycling coverage like you’ve never heard it.” We’re stoked for this coverage.
* Because the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift (TdFFaZ, as Molly writes in our personal notes!) gets underway Saturday in Vannes. Check out this post from @QueenStage.cc to learn more about all the stages. Both Sasha and Molly are stoked to see Pauline Ferrand Prevot start her first TdFFaZ, as well as cheer for other stars including Demi Vollering, Puck Pieterse, and others. Tell us who you are cheering for!
* Molly continues her coverage of the Men’s Tour de France over at Bicycling Mag. She’s a great voice and adds so much to their commentary. The men’s Tour wraps up Sunday, which will make for some long days of TV watching Saturday and Sunday!
* Sasha was on the Shakeout Podcast talking about Gender Equity last week. It’s a short but important listen! There were some great instagram posts (1, 2, 3) where you really hear here passion shine through.
* And yes, we talk about the latest doping suspension; Women’s World Record Holder, Ruth Chepng’etich has received a provisional suspension for the presence of HCTZ or Hydrochlorothiazide, which is a diuretic. Sasha’s likely going to record a solo episode covering anti-doping, and using this case as an example, as well as thinking about the greater global challenges with doping.
* Molly is off to the Rooted Women’s MTB Festival in Beamus Point, NY. From hosting a Strong Girl Publishing event, a TdFFaZ watch party, and just playing bikes, there are lots of ways to connect with her this weekend.
Remember you can follow Molly and Sasha on Social Media including:
Molly - @mollyjhurford @stronggirlpublishingSasha - @SGollishRuns @Yellow_Running_Shoes
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