Inside the Peloton: Ivan Badia

A Return to the Start Line – My Road to GFNY Miami

On September 21, 2024, what began as a routine ride changed everything. An SUV struck me and dragged me nearly 10 feet before leaving the scene.
 
The physical injuries were serious. But the deeper challenge was rebuilding confidence — trust in the road, in traffic, and in myself.
 
Recovery became a daily discipline. Some days brought progress. Others brought doubt. The body heals in stages; belief requires intention.
 
In August, I made a decision: I would come back stronger, more structured, and more focused than before.
 
I returned to training with purpose — early mornings, controlled effort, steady progression. I adopted a simple philosophy that guided every session:

Clean cadence. Steady posture. Forward motion.

In October 2025, I tested myself at an other cycling event, South Carolina. That event wasn’t about results — it was about proof. Proof that I could return to competition. Proof that the work mattered. Proof that resilience wins quietly before it wins publicly.

 
GFNY Miami represents the next chapter.
 
It is more than a race on April 19. It is a milestone — a full-circle moment. A reminder that setbacks do not define us. Our response does.
 
When I roll to the start line in Miami, I will carry gratitude, discipline, and the belief that with patience, love, and trust in the process, we can overcome more than we imagine.
 
For me, simply standing there is already a victory.