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: Izzy Sharp...and if you want to find out Izzy’s dream races, read to the bottom!

Hero Photo: Josh Owens

The Journey So Far…from local club to Lidl-Trek

Growing up near Southampton, Izzy came to cycling via swimming and triathlon.

Her cycling fanatical grandfather — he'd completed (and won!) the Race Across America — gave her the first nudge toward the sport. After a brief stint in cyclocross, she found her home at Poole Wheelers, where she was winning national youth time trial titles by age 13.

Through British Cycling's Junior Academy and time with Brother UK-Orientation Marketing and Tofauti Everyone Active, Izzy collected European and World junior medals on track and road.

Her 2023 season was the breakout — wins at Gent-Wevelgem Juniors and the Omloop van Borsele, plus a junior Worlds Junior TT silver, brought WorldTour team Lidl-Trek calling.

But she did have to do some of the legwork herself, cold-messaging Elisa Longo Borghini for a contact: "She replied in like 10 minutes," Sharp recalled.

The result was a WorldTour contract at just 18 years old.

Another angle with Alba in 2026

After 2 years at Lidl-Trek, she chose to move away from the WorldTour, signing with Handsling Alba for 2026.

In the announcement, Izzy explained: "It's been a huge learning curve for me, but one thing's for sure – happiness should always be a priority. After one conversation with Bob [Lyons], the Team Manager, I felt this was just as important to him… I'm looking forward to being on a UK-based team, surrounded by good people and ready to get stuck in, striving for success.”

Quick Fire Q&A with Izzy

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

A surprising fact I don’t publicly talk about is having Physical Tourette’s - it’s something I’ve had most my life. I’m still learning ways to manage it when in the midst of a chaotic peloton but I’m getting there.

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

Food isn’t food without Heinz Ketchup on the side…

What is your favourite type of race?

My favourite kind of road races are flat, fast races that result in a semi-reduced bunch sprint… although I am also fond of a TT.

What are your dream races to ride in?

My dream races would be Paris Roubaix & TT World Championships & Olympics.

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

Gear I can’t ride without is my heart rate belt & head unit (Coros). A ride isn’t a ride without data.

What are your personal top 3 cycling destinations?

My top 3 cycling destinations would be Cheddar Gorge, Denia & Australia (I’ve been there twice now to race & train… it’s unbelievable!)

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

After spending 2 years on a WT Team it is a breath of fresh air to be on Alba Handsling Development Team. The team is very professional however, it carries a very warm & understanding environment where we can race without the fear to “fail”. As a cyclist, you spend so much time away from home, it’s nice to be in a team that feels like family.

Izzy’s Top Tips for Aspiring Cyclists

Want to have a chance at catching Izzy’s wheel? Read on for some insider tips from Izzy herself...

• Trust your process. Don’t let the noise of other people’s journeys distract you from your story.
• When things aren’t going right, weave a parachute out of everything broken.
• Most importantly…a group ride should always end with cake 🍰

Thanks Izzy and all the best in the 2026 racing season! 💪

👤 Missed out on our previous Rider Profile with Kate Richardson? Read more from Kate here.

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