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 Grace Lister...

Hero Image Credit: Bob MacGregor

The Journey So Far

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

Born in Shrewsbury and have lived in Shropshire ever since!

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

I started cycling with my dad and brother on family holidays in Cornwall. I joined Wolverhampton Wheelers when I was about 7 years old, this was also my dad’s childhood club.

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

I’ve always been a sporty child from cycling to swimming, tennis, dance and cross country. 

Throughout school I was always involved in sports clubs and events. From Wolverhampton Wheelers, I progressed through the British Cycling pathway.  

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?

This is my first year with Alba, no personal results to shout about so far after an injury through the winter and two concussions as I returned to racing but I’ve enjoyed all the racing nonetheless! 

Last few years I have been with British Conti teams and in 2025 highlights included 3rd at Lincoln GP, 15th at Tour of Britain and an 8th in a 1.1 in Belgium. 

I’ve also had success on the track with U23 European titles, a bronze at Elite Euros in the Team Pursuit, national Team Pursuit and Omnium too.

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

I joined Alba at the start of this year. I was looking for a team that was supportive and a positive environment to develop as a young rider. 

From the outside, Alba always looked like a professional environment and after speaking with Bob at the end of last year it confirmed my decision to sign with the team. 

Quick Fire Q&A

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

I will never walk over 3 drains. 

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

Not really but you won’t catch me without a bottle of Vimto squash.

What is your favourite type of race? 

Something rolling and attritional, nice views and sun always helps. 

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

Too many to choose from, not many stand out! Some of the classic races I did in 2024 were brutal, it was my first few experiences at that level which is probably why I remember them being extra hard. 

Morbihan and Tour de Feminin were probably the hardest I’ve done this year due to the terrain and not being at full fitness!

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

A Coros!

What are your personal top 3 cycling destinations? 

Most places in Spain is always a go to but I do like Mallorca.

A sunny day in north wales the Peak District. 

I haven’t been but I’d love to go to the south of France and Switzerland.

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

The people, riders and staff who make it a fun and friendly environment 🙂

Top 3 Tips for Aspiring Cyclists

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

1. Focus on your own journey. Don't compare your progress to anyone else's. Consistency beats comparison, everyone is on their own path so only concentrate on yours.
2. Enjoy the process. Celebrate small milestones and big ones too! Remember why you started, ride with friends, have coffee stops and keep it fun!
3. Give it 100%! You never know where cycling will take you and who you will meet!

Missed our last profile? Catch up with Rider Profile: Arabella Blackburn.