Meet Orla Dunlop. Musician. Scientist. Cat 3 Racer. The embodiment of the "Grit" that defines GreenMonkey Velo.
MULTI-TALENTED OTAGO RIDER.
I love racing because it’s a super motivational environment and allows me to measure my progress against both myself and others. I also love that strategy and reacting quickly to what’s going on are important for your success, and not purely fitness.
BUILT IN THE HILLARY CHALLENGE.
From the Mountains to the Road
Long before the road, there were the Tongariro mountains. Her background in adventure racing and the 2023 Hillary Challenge National Finals proved one thing: the elements don't care about your plans.
Adventure racing took me heaps of cool places throughout high school.
On road racing: I love that strategy and reacting quickly to what’s going on are important for your success, and not purely fitness.
2023
Hillary Challenge National Finals
Foundation
Adventure racing background
Lesson
The elements prepare you for the unexpected.
THE REAWAKENING.
High school cycling didn't stick, but the bug came back at Uni. Orla went from "no idea what I was doing" to holding the break-away through sheer discipline and reaction.
High School
Cycling didn't stick
Uni
The bug came back
Breakaway
Discipline & reaction
THE CONCERTO MEETS THE CRIT.
Outside the saddle, Orla is a violinist, double majoring in Music and Sports Science at Otago. She plays for the NZSO National Youth Orchestra; precision on the stage meets precision on the road.
🎻 NZSO National Youth Orchestra
🎓 Music & Sports Science, Otago
BEYOND THE WATTAGE.
"Success is reacting quickly... it's not purely fitness."
Orla's sports science background gives her an edge; she understands that strategy is the interface between effort and results.
Sports Science
Academic edge on the road
Strategy
Interface between effort & results
Reaction
Not purely fitness
IF SHE'S NOT CYCLING...
You'll find her running, bouldering, or working at My Ride Dunedin. She lives the sport from the workshop floor to the top of the climb.
Running
Cross-training on the roads of Dunedin
Bouldering
Strength and problem-solving on the wall
My Ride Dunedin
Living the sport from the workshop floor
OPTIMISING FOR ENJOYMENT.
Her main goal? Keep finding ways to make it more enjoyable. Because the more you enjoy it, the harder you train. It's a performance loop that never ends.
ROAD. TRIATHLON. BIKE-PACKING.
Next up? Triathlons (pending the swim training) and delving into the world of bike-packing. The journey with GreenMonkey is just getting started.
Now
Cat 3 Road Racing, Dunedin crits
Next
Triathlons (pending the swim training)
Horizon
Delving into the world of bike-packing
Always
The journey with GreenMonkey is just getting started
FIND YOUR CLAN.
Orla's Advice
Don't ride alone. Whether it's group rides or a single friend, community keeps the motivation high.
Group Rides
Shared suffering makes you stronger
A Single Friend
Even one riding partner changes everything
Community
Keeps the motivation high
RIDE WHAT THE CLAN RIDES.
Shop the GMV Collection, the same kit Orla wears!
ORLA DUNLOP