Some of Isabella Holmgren's biggest fans gathered at Hardwood Ski and Bike in Oro-Medonte this morning to watch her compete on the world's largest stage, at the Olympics in Paris.
The 2023 Orillia Athlete of the Year placed 17th in the women's cross-country Olympic event in France. At 19, the driven local athlete was the youngest cyclist competing in this gruelling Olympic race that featured seven laps of a demanding 4.4-kilometre course.
France's Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, a hometown favourite, won the event, which attracted upwards of 15,000 fans crowded around the man-made course on a former landfill.
It's been quite a journey for Holmgren, who officially earned her coveted spot on Canada's Olympic team by topping the women's podium at a World Cup race in Czechia earlier this summer.
Her family says her journey truly started back when she was four.
It was then that Isabella began cycling in the Wednesday Night Race Series at Hardwood Ski and Bike with her twin sister Ava, her brother Gunnar, her mother Lisa, and her father Rob.
"It was always just a fun family night," Rob said. "The ice cream was always the highlight."
Isabella and Ava started competitively riding across Canada and the United States when they were around 13 years old.
"The girls have always been super busy, high-energy, active kids," Rob said. "When they started racing cyclo-cross on the mountain bikes, they were always racing at a speed above their age group."
Rob has coached his two daughters for almost the entirety of their careers until this year when they signed on with the Lidl Trek road team. While Rob never cycled at an elite level, he has a kinesiology degree from the University of Waterloo which has helped mould the athletes into the best versions of themselves.
"I've always had an interest in the science of performance from mostly the muscular level," he explained.
Rob believes Isabella and Ava's extreme drive and will to compete comes from him and his wife.
"The stubbornness and work ethic comes from mommy," he said. "The ability to disconnect from the neck down is definitely from my side."
Isabella's goal has never been to be the best in Canada or North America. She has always wanted to be "the best in the world."
"They've all given up things like graduation, prom, and Christmas," Rob explained. "I don't think we've all been together for Christmas in almost 10 years because there are training camps and things like that."
While Ava wasn't able to race alongside Isabella this morning, Rob says she's a massive part of her sister's success.
"Ava and Isabella have been each other's greatest competitors and training partners," he said. "Off the bike, they do meal prep and help each other with day-to-day stuff."
Marc Ackert has also played a key role in preparing Isabella for today's race. He began managing Isabella in 2017 on the Hardwood Ski and Bike Next Wave development team.
"Bella has spring-boarded herself into a phenomenal spot," he said. "It's really good to see that something in Orillia can take our youngsters to this level."
Ackert says Isabella's passion and commitment are what have always separated her from the competition. He says no family in North America compares to the Holmgrens when it comes to work ethic.
"The Holmgren family has a huge commitment to excellence in sport," he said. "I call Bella our little diesel engine. You just wind that kid up and away she goes."
Getting to the world stage wasn't easy for Isabella and her sister, Ackert says.
"They entered the European scene relatively unknown," he said. "They've made their mark and that takes time being from a small group in Orillia."
Ackert says the community at Hardwood Ski and Bike has "played a major part" in Isabella's success.
"People in the community have supported these kids to get them to where they are," he said. "Not only do you need an exceptional athlete, but you need a community behind them with an exceptional drive and commitment."
Seeing Isabella representing her country on the world stage today brought tears to Ackert's eyes.
"There are no words," he said. "It's unbelievable."
The Holmgrens are grateful for everyone at Hardwood Ski and Bike who cheered on Isabella this morning.
"We've gotten lots of emails, texts, and messages on different platforms for the kids," Rob said. "It's really cool."
Isabella's brother, Gunnar, will compete in the men's cross-country event tomorrow morning around 8 a.m. Cycling fans are once again invited to Hardwood for a watch party.
Admission is free. However, unlimited pancakes, bacon and scrambled eggs will be served with coffee and tea for $10 (pre-ordered) or for $15 if you pay at the door.
To pre-order or for more information, click here.
