Women Behind the brand: Andrea Thomas, Le Col
“Women Behind the Brand” is a new series for DROPS Le Col that showcases some of the brilliant women within the cycling industry that help the team perform at their very best.
Our series debut features Andrea Thomas, Head of Design at Le Col.
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“Find those amazing women that inspire you, that you want to ride with, because they definitely exist out there. There are some kick ass women in the cycling industry.”
Andrea’s journey from the small town of Jasper in Alberta into the design world has certainly taken an uncommon route. It was on the U21 kayak polo team for Canada that the spark was lit for a very impressive career after the national kit was less than desirable.
“Our kit was so bad. It was actually awful. We ended up buying loads of other pieces ourselves. I remember having underarm bases that were random stuff which we all decided as a team like, yeah, we're going to look really sleek and we'll all buy the same ones.
“It was mad that we're a Canadian national team and just ended up buying half of our own kit. So that in itself kind of inspired me. Well, why? Why is it so bad? I really wanted to know more about it.”
This determination led Andrea to the London College of Fashion to study their sportswear fashion design course. She then went on to work for Rapha before her employment at Le Col.
“[Le Col] is a very fun company to work for. I think it's been really interesting for me in the last four years because I've watched it grow, but it's quite a fun thing to take it from just a few people who get along really, really well, like a family vibe.”
Her days are anything but regular, changing constantly with her priorities and the developing nature of the cycling scene.
“We're such a fast paced company and because we're a small team, we're just continuously trying to get everything done. It’s a lot of work but it means that you're doing really exciting projects all the time.
“Depending on the day I could be working on our main range products and developing the range with the rest of our product team, or it could be working on teamwear like for Drops or it could be working on special editions or collaborations. It includes a bit of everything. I think that's the best way to be, isn't it?”
As Le Col are a proud sponsors of Drops Le Col, Andrea has spent many hours working alongside the team to help create one of the most eye-catching kits in the peloton.
“Drops are such a cool team, just such a fun, fun team. I'm a little bit disappointed that COVID happened because we were so keen to get out there at the beginning of their training camp and obviously couldn't due to regulations. But they're great to work with. We did a big project this year trying to upgrade their products and keep giving them the best kit that we can give them. I think they were very happy with that.
“They’re a really young, vibrant team. They’re very good with contact and especially with feedback as well. It’s really important for us. I'm not a pro rider, I'm never going to be. But it's really interesting to see them. They wear so much kit, they train so hard. So if an overshoe isn’t sitting quite right we can do an upgrade, because it's literally just small little details that actually make the world of a difference to a pro rider who's out there, like hours and hours and hours on their bike. It sounds difficult to me! It's a hard job. Impressive, isn't it?”
When speaking about her role at Le Col, Andrea also mentioned that most of the production team is female. A unique aspect – especially in a sport that can be very male-dominated.
“Cycling is an interesting industry and it's a fantastic sport to be involved in. But I do think it's fairly male dominated. I found that when I used to work at Rapha as well, it was a very male population and similar to Le Col that was a very male population until a little while ago, actually. So most of the product team is female, which I think is fantastic. It’s one of those things that women are definitely there. I think sometimes they need to shout a little bit louder to get heard. But there are definitely fantastic and amazing women in cycling.”
Her advice to other women in cycling centred on making as many friends as possible. When women connect with and uplift other women, amazing things can happen.
“I think find those other women that really inspire you. Because I think it can be a lonely sport for women. And I think, or at least personally, I know quite a few women who are only cyclists because of their boyfriend or other half or father or brother or friend. Which I find really funny because I haven't personally met a lot of girls that have been introduced by girls. And I think it can be a little bit lonely if you want to go and have a girly chat on a ride.
“Find those amazing women that inspire you, that you want to ride with, because they definitely exist out there. There are some kick ass women in the cycling industry. Just make as many friends as you can.”
Robyn Davidson
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