Ottilie Quince: Powered by Grit, Pedals and Cero F*cks
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When Ottilie Quince first arrived in Port de Pollença to cycle the mountains of Mallorca, she never imagined it would become home or the backdrop to a new life built on resilience, reinvention, and relentless positivity.
Today, Ottilie is known as a world champion transplant cyclist, founder of the OQ Service Course physio and performance studio, and the unapologetic creator of the lifestyle brand Cero F*cks. But behind the public smile is a journey that’s as challenging as it is inspiring from growing up playing football with the lads to surviving a life-threatening illness, and from the transplant ward to the winner’s podium.
From Luton to the Peloton
“I’ve been here ten years in October,” Ottilie says, from her base in Port de Pollença. “And I’m still not fluent in Spanish, which frustrates me hugely. But this island has given me a second life.”
Ottilie grew up in Luton, the youngest of four siblings with three older brothers. “My parents wanted a girl and finally got me. By the time I arrived, they were into jazz and unusual names, hence Ottilie.” Sport was always a constant, and she credits her brothers for dragging her onto football pitches and into a competitive spirit that would shape her future. At 16, she played football in the US “a summer that changed my view of women’s sport entirely” before returning to play for Luton Town Ladies at a high national level.
A Silent Disease, A Life-Altering Diagnosis
At 24, a routine check-up revealed something no athlete ever wants to hear: just 12% kidney function. “I had no symptoms. I was a sports teacher training five times a week. I thought I was fit. I’d been born with a congenital condition and didn’t know it.”
Faced with a stark choice: dialysis, death or transplant, Ottilie didn’t hesitate. “I said no to dialysis. I wanted to live. I needed a kidney donor.”
Her mum, who had supported Ottilie’s father through a previous transplant, stepped forward. “She gave me life once, and she wanted to do it again. It was keyhole surgery for her, less invasive than when my dad donated his.” That transplant was 18 years ago.
“It’s Not a Cure. It’s a Treatment.”
Since receiving her mother’s kidney, Ottilie’s life has been anything but ordinary. She’s had cancer twice, a known risk from the lifelong medication required to prevent rejection, and still returns to hospital every three months for monitoring. “But I don’t dwell on it. I’ve always been someone who works hard, tries to stay positive, and just gets on with it. I tell people: you can’t be happy all the time. And if you are, people think you’re weird!”
World Champion Cyclist — And Counting
As part of her recovery and rehab, Ottilie began training for the World Transplant Games, a global sporting event for transplant recipients. “They’re like the Olympics, just smaller. But still incredibly competitive.” She now holds 11 world titles, remains undefeated in 37 races, and will compete again this August near Dresden, Germany. “I train in the hottest part of the day in the Mallorcan mountains to make it harder. You have to earn the win. I’m aiming for overall victory again and maybe ruffling a few male egos in the process!”
Building a Business in Port de Pollença
In 2017, Ottilie opened OQ Service Course, a performance clinic and cycling hub offering physiotherapy, injury recovery, nutrition support and strength training. Her small space quickly became a favourite among locals, expats and athletes alike. This year, she’s expanding into a larger premises with space for a mini-gym, retail area and more. “I want to work more with special populations: older people, women, people with injuries, to show how resistance training transforms lives. And I’m calling the gym ‘Little Gym’ after my dad’s nickname for my brother.”
Enter: Zero F*cks
Alongside her studio, Ottilie launched a separate brand: Cero F*cks — or “Ciro Fox” in Spanish. It started with socks. Now it includes bottles, T-shirts, and tongue-in-cheek slogans designed to motivate. “The message isn’t about not caring. It’s about not caring about the wrong things, like online hate, comparison, and pressure. Focus on what matters: health, family, purpose. Everything else can get stuffed.”
Life, Perspective, and the 1%
Moving to Mallorca wasn’t an escape. It was a deliberate decision.
“All the people I know here are the 1%, the people who actually did it. Left their jobs, booked the flight, started again. Everyone else stayed put.”
Ottilie guides cyclists from around the world and continues to expand her brand, with a new leisurewear line, training programme, and another World Championship in her sights.
“I’ve got 43% kidney function. That’s less than most, but double what I used to have. So yeah, I live like it counts.”
🔗 Learn more:
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World Transplant Games
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