Clara Emond juggles law studies and elite racing career amid growing pressures

In 2024, Clara Emond, a Canadian elite road racer, experienced a year filled with both achievements and challenges. Despite her commitment to her sport, Emond is actively pursuing her law studies and is dedicated to completing her master’s degree. However, her racing career has slowed her academic progress. She participated in prominent races such as the Giro and the Vuelta, where she noted significant successes as well as setbacks. Emond was proud to finish second overall in the Vuelta in 2023 and was surprised by her performance improvements. However, the year also came with unfortunate events, including sustaining an injury during the Vuelta and suffering complications from heatstroke and COVID-19 during other major races. This mixed performance not only highlighted her resilience but also the demanding nature of balancing sports and academic pursuits. Emond's career trajectory has seen her take significant steps forward. She joined the larger Arkéa Pro Cycling Team, which marked a pivotal moment in her professional cycling journey. She also expressed a clear preference for hilly terrains over flat races, indicating her growing understanding of her own strengths as a cyclist. In addition to her racing activities, Emond is scheduled to head to Mallorca for team training camps and races in January 2025, where she hopes to compete in two or three Grand Tour races. Her team, EF-Oatly-Cannondale, includes athletes from 21 different countries, showcasing the international nature of competitive cycling. The pressures of maintaining a high-performance level in sports while furthering her education have presented significant challenges for Emond. Not only did she experience critical injuries, but her academic studies have also taken a back seat due to her commitments. The unpredictability of sports, illustrated by her setbacks in 2024, underscores the challenges elite athletes face as they try to juggle multiple pursuits. Despite the adversities, Emond maintains a positive outlook and continues to set ambitious goals for her future racing career, buoyed by her initial successes in 2023. Moreover, the presence of another athlete named Clara on her team has led Emond to adopt the nickname Chanel for ease of communication during races. This reflects her lighthearted attitude towards the difficulties she faces in her dual career path. Emond’s journey is an inspiring mix of dedication to sport alongside a commitment to her education, demonstrating her determination to excel in both arenas. As 2025 approaches, the challenges and triumphs of her career will be closely watched by fans and aspiring athletes alike.