Rhythm and resilience: One coach’s journey is changing the face of indoor cycling
Ride the World, a three-day celebration of indoor cycling, has drawn 44 elite instructors and hundreds of enthusiasts from every corner of the globe to Mérida. With more than 35 classes set to take place, this event promises an exhilarating collision of athleticism, artistry, and community—spotlighting some of the most inspiring figures in the international cycle scene.
Among these luminaries is master cycle coach Alicia Portelli, whose personal journey and signature style have resonated deeply with riders worldwide. From her early days performing on stage in Sydney, to the adversity that nearly silenced her dreams, and ultimately to her arrival in Mexico to share her love of cycling and community, Portelli’s story is a testament to the transformative power of movement.
“Ride the World,” organized by Global Flow Cycling, is more than a fitness festival; it’s a convergence of creativity and culture that thrives on diversity. The event’s setting blends Mayan heritage and Spanish colonial charm, offering participants a memorable blend of daily high-energy rides and evenings filled with local cuisine, music, and exploration. Over three days, attendees can hop on any of the 35-plus cycling sessions led by top-tier international coaches.
This year’s lineup features a who’s-who of coaching talent. Attendees will pedal to dynamic playlists, test their stamina in extreme interval drills, and dial in their technique in workshops aimed at fostering holistic wellness, both on and off the bike.
Alicia Portelli: A journey back to the stage
Portelli, a Sydney native with a background in dance, singing, and acting, lived for the stage since she was very young. But through her late teens, she battled anorexia, bulimia, and later, drug and alcohol misuse. Dance—and the joy it brought her—was put on hold.
By her early 30s, Portelli found herself at a major life crossroads. Having worked her way up through celebrated retail management roles at Adidas, Lululemon, and other sportswear giants, she faced the end of her marriage, becoming a single mother of two. She decided to pivot her career towards her true calling: fitness. Earning her certifications, she began teaching group HIIT classes and personal training. Before long, a role as a cycling coach opened up at a local studio. Despite taking it “just for the paycheck,” she quickly discovered the sparks of her first love—performing—were being reignited, only now her stage was the bike.
From 2016 to 2020, Portelli coached at various Sydney studios, eventually launching THE JAM MVMT in 2021. Over the span of two and a half years, her studio soared to success, racking up more than 150 five-star reviews and drawing global attention for what many dubbed “Australia’s strongest riders.” But as its reputation grew, unforeseen legal complications around the commercial site forced Portelli to close the business in mid-2023.
Undeterred, she carried on her global coaching and mentoring pursuits, ultimately seizing an invitation from Absolute Fitness—Asia’s largest boutique fitness brand—to relocate as a Master Coach. Since May 2024, she has split her time between Singapore and Bangkok, teaching multiple classes per week, developing the next generation of cycle coaches, and traveling the world to guest-coach in epic events like “Ride the World.”
The Mérida connection
For Portelli, landing in Mérida for “Ride the World” is a dream realized. Mexico’s exuberant rhythm-cycling community has been on her radar for years, and now she will co-lead six electrifying classes—some on her own and others in tandem with her international peers. True to her style, expect a fusion of pop, rock, and electronic beats that build to a euphoric crescendo, challenging participants physically and leaving them inspired and uplifted.
“Her classes are challenging, energetic, and full of love,” says one of her close colleagues. “Alicia’s energy leaves a mark on your soul. She doesn’t just transform bodies; she transforms hearts and minds.”
Portelli’s personal story resonates with riders who have faced their own struggles. Overcoming an eating disorder, battling addiction, navigating divorce, and closing a passion-driven business—these experiences add layers of empathy and resilience to her coaching. “Performing is in her DNA,” says a longtime friend. “Being on that bike with her is like watching a performer on stage, only it feels more real because she’s channeling everything she’s been through, helping riders find their own power.”
United by motion and music
While “Ride the World” is anchored around cycling, its broader mission underscores the incredible sense of community that emerges when people share a common passion. From local riders in Mérida to travelers logging miles in from continents away, everyone converges in these classes to find camaraderie and support. It’s a space where music and movement unite people, reminiscent of Portelli’s own journey back to her creative roots.
For Portelli, this event stands as another landmark in her personal quest: inspiring people to find healing and freedom through fitness while rediscovering their own rhythm along the way.

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