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: Arianne Holland...and if you have a pet cow, you may want to keep Arianne's contact details handy in case it starts to feel under the weather...

Hero Image Credit: Murdo MacGillivray

The Journey So Far

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

I grew up in Crossford, a little village near Dunfermline in Fife. I was an active child and did lots of sports – from scouts to horse riding to ballet/dance. I started running when I went to University in Edinburgh, and started cycling with my Dad during covid when I found myself with lots of time! 

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

After covid I started going out with a local club, Forth Velo. The guys there were really inclusive and after a few rides encouraged me to race. I remember seeing one of the other women (Heather Elder) that went out with them beat all the guys up a climb on a chaingang and thought that was so cool to see someone so strong! I just got the bug, and started racing in Scotland. I actually have Beth to thank for a lot of my cycling career, as I got chatting to her at my first race and she was so friendly and welcoming, and gave me Bob’s contact details!

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

I started cycling in covid, when I was already 20 so I didn’t have the usual pathway of coming from youth racing. I did a lot of different sports when I was younger, and really enjoyed being part of the Edinburgh University Hare and Hounds running club when I was at uni.

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?

After reaching out to Bob, I joined Alba in its first year as a team. At that point the focus was on getting round the national series races, so it is crazy to see how far it has come! I’m really pleased to feel like I have progressed every year, and could never have dreamed that I would get to experience racing at UCI level within Europe. I think a particular highlight would be the first stage race we did as a team in the south of Italy, I remember being so nervous and that was just for Elaine having to navigate the team van around Naples! 

Quick Fire Q&A

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

I’m also a vet! I juggled full time farm and equine vet work and racing for a couple of years, before becoming an Official Veterinarian (a legislation and certification government role) which allows a really nice balance for training and racing.

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

Nothing in particular, but I'm partial to a ‘girl dinner’. Gregor (my partner) always complains that I make functional dinners. I take a carb, a protein and a fat and merge it together, it doesn’t always go (and im grateful he normally does all the cooking)

What is your favourite type of race? 

I like a hilly race, preferably with some long climbs.

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

Has to be the Ardèche stage race last year. The field was stacked, and it was very humbling to see how good climbers the World Tour girls are!

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

I got a mini electric pump for Christmas and it now comes everywhere with me. And for long rides I love my bar bag for extra snacks.

What are your personal top 3 cycling destinations? 

Orkney (weather dependant), the Ardèche and Arthur's Seat laps in Edinburgh (also known as slaps).

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

The girls, it is such a lovely team environment where we all back each other and celebrate each other’s successes.

Top Tip for Aspiring Cyclists

Arianne has already built up a great amount of experience and knowledge in just 6 years since she took to two wheels in earnest — here's what she'd pass on to anyone finding their own way into cycling:

Everyone says it, but have fun. Enjoy the opportunities, and take a moment to look up at the view now and again! Mixing it up can be really useful, lately I’ve been really enjoying the gravel bike and seeing parts of Edinburgh I didn’t know existed!

We're super excited to follow your season, Arianne!

Missed our last profile? Catch up with Rider Profile: Mari Porton.