Welcome to our Rider Profiles — your chance to get to know the riders behind the kit, in their own words.

We sat down with each member of the 2026 Handsling Alba roster and let them do the talking: where they've come from, what drives them, a few things you probably didn't expect to find out and finishing off with some of their top tips for aspiring cyclists.

So get comfortable and read on to hear from the next rider in our series Arabella Blackburn...

Hero Image Credit: Bob MacGregor

The Journey So Far

Tell us about your early years — where did you grow up?

I have grown up in the North East of Scotland in Stonehaven in the countryside. Living so remote has always meant lots of travelling but the riding around here is incredible so it makes up for it! 

How did you get into cycling? Who inspired or helped you along the way?

I always did some local MTB trail riding with my family from a young age and did a lot of different sports growing up. I did gymnastics for 10 years from the age of 4 and a mix of Netball, Cross country running and hockey in school. 

In Primary 4 I joined my school's triathlon Club and did some races, soon to realise I really enjoyed the cycling part. From here my teacher pushed for me to join my local cycling club Deeside Thistle. I started to race locally, nationally and then internationally through my youth years which is really where it all began. 

Living in the North East of Scotland meant we always had very long travels to all of the races around the UK so I am very grateful to my parents for taxiing me up and down the country for many years before I joined Alba. 

Tell us about the teams and clubs you were part of as a youth.

My First Club was Deeside Thistle, I rode for them through all of my youth years from U10 - U16 on the Road, Track and in Cyclocross. 

When I became a Junior I joined Shibden Apex RT and raced with them Nationally and Internationally on the Road and Track. In my 2nd Year Junior I raced more of an international cyclocross season over the with Trinity Racing which was an incredible experience. 

I was also supported by GBs ODS programme on the Track and the Road through my Junior years taking me to several Nations Cups and World Championships. 

Tell us more about your cycling career to date — teams, clubs, and any highlights. When did you join Handsling Alba, and how did that come about?

I raced a lot nationally and internationally as a junior in Road, Cyclocross and Track. One of my biggest achievements was representing GB at the World Championships in each discipline as a 2nd year Junior as well as becoming World and European Team Pursuit Champions with GB on the Track. Racing the Road World Championships in Rwanda last year was an incredible experience and one I will never forget. 

I think the thing that stays with me the most through all these events though is looking back on the amount of fun I had at all of these races, even though at the time some of them were challenging and they all required a lot of hard work and sacrifices, the experiences and friendships are what made them all so special and memorable. 

When did you join Handsling Alba and how did that come about?

I have always known Bob quite well as he used to help out at Deeside Thistle when I was a youth. Over my junior years I stayed in touch with him and the team and I was offered a spot on the team last summer. The environment and support the team provides for us is something that really drew me to them, the set up is very professional and really allows us to develop and learn to race. 

Quick Fire Q&A

What is a fact about you that would surprise people the most? 

I did Gymnastics for 10 years from the age of 4 years old.

Do you have any favourite food combos that most other people would find weird? 

I don’t think it’s weird for cyclists but my go to pre race breakfast is rice honey and ham which is quite an unusual combo for non athletes. 

What is your favourite type of race? 

Punchy race courses with shorter, more explosive efforts. I also enjoy TTs and they are something I want to do more of in the future

What is the hardest race you've ever ridden in? 

The Tour of Britain this year was definitely the hardest race I’ve ever done. Each stage was brutal on its own so to race them all back to back was very challenging but an incredible experience.

Is there any kit that you'd never ride without? 

My tool kit 🤥 

What are your personal top 3 cycling destinations? 

The Cairngorms, Yorkshire Dales & Calpe

What's the best thing about being on Handsling Alba? 

The close bond you build with everyone on the team, it really feels like a family where everyone wants to see each other win and achieve their goals, the environment is so supportive of our long term development.

Top 3 Tips for Aspiring Cyclists

Here's Arabella's advice to pass on to anyone finding their own way into cycling:

1. Always make sure you're having fun - Happy head, happy legs
2. Learn from everything you do, even on bad days you still learn
3. Surround yourself with people that inspire you

All the best in your racing this season, Arabella!

Missed our last profile? Catch up with Rider Profile: Anna Flynn.