February 16 — 2024

Words // Hailey Elise

Balance: a very useful thing on and off the bike and something that I’ve found is a lot easier said than done, especially when trying to pursue multiple career paths. As a photographer, filmmaker and an athlete, it might seem that these career paths compliment each other - which they often do – however, each requires its own kind of energy to continue to move forward. I often find myself in periods of burn-out and dwindling motivation - something I am sure most of us are familiar with. Luckily, I am surrounded by like-minded women who are also pursuing lofty goals on and off the bike, like my fellow Juliana athlete, Laura Battista.

Anyone that knows Laura knows she's an absolute force to be reckoned with. Laura is currently juggling multiple careers, including working as a registered veterinary technician, paid-on-call firefighter for Squamish Fire Rescue, mountain bike coach, and professional athlete. Watching her reach and surpass goals with such tenacity and grace is amazing inspiration for those of also aspiring to do the same. I recently sat down with Laura to catch up and get the lowdown on how she balances work, life, and fun.

Hailey Elise: Laura, tell me a bit about your mountain bike history and career.

Laura Battista: I started riding mountain bikes in 2011, but my riding career began in the Velodrome where I was on the South Australian Institute of Sport team for track cycling. I competed in the short-distance disciplines on an indoor track bike between the ages of 13 and 16. I traveled all over Australia with my team until I moved to the UK in 2004. 

Racing has been a love of mine for many years and it has brought me so many amazing memories and forever friendships! Achievements for my enduro mountain bike career are getting 7th at the EWS in Canazei, Italy in 2019 and winning Trans BC in 2018 – both while I was racing as a privateer. These results helped me get further support and opened the door to joining the wonderful women at Juliana.

My current and future goals are more community-related. Organizing trail-building days, coaching, and social rides. That is not to say I don't want to race, I sure do, but I will be focused on North American events and multi-day stage races, rather than EDR 

Hailey Elise: How do you find time for training both as a professional mountain biker and as a firefighter?

Laura Battista: Luckily my training for mountain biking keeps me fit and accountable for my role as a firefighter. I try to go to the gym before work a few times a week and then on my days off I get out on my bike as much as possible. It's a challenge to make time to train and 'recover' around all my commitments but it's my love and passion and I wouldn't give it up for anything. My friends would say I'm a busy person and I do pack my days full. 

Hailey Elise: What are some key tools that you implement to balance your riding career and your other careers?

Laura Battista: Balance is super important. While riding and racing can be exhausting, riding doesn’t ever feel like a chore and training also allows me time in nature to diffuse from a stressful work week. Also making sure that I take time to relax and recover. I find making time for recovery is the hardest to manage when working and training. I used to say that work was my downtime and my recovery, but it really isn’t enough. Taking some time to stretch and relax is very important to being successful and having balance. Other tools I would say are to get a good night's sleep and make time to have dinner with friends. 

Hailey Elise: What skills do you transfer from one career to the other?

Laura Battista: I think being a mountain biker and trail builder has helped me gain strength and endurance to be able to respond to fire calls. All of my jobs have an element of mental stress and fatigue, from a pet coming in injured to a structure fire. This has taught me to stay calm and level-headed under pressure. Racing bikes can always be very nerve-racking and staying calm and composed is key to high performance.

Hailey Elise: Any tips, tricks or advice for someone pursuing an athletic career and another professional career?

Laura Battista: When I was starting out in the sport, if I saw an event or a race I wanted to do I would make it my goal to get there. I worked hard to save the money and trained to make it happen. I've also been very lucky to have a career that has been flexible and allowed me the opportunity to race my bike alongside my job. I got my physio and strength coach to write me a program that I can claim on my benefits and I can use the gym at the fire hall to train, which has helped me save time and money. There will certainly have to be some sacrifices, but if you are passionate about what you’re doing and you’re willing to work hard, there’s always a way to make it work.