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: Maddie Cooper...and if you want to find out more about Maddie read to the bottom (just don’t forget your deodorant!)

Hero Image Credit: Josh Wheeler / JoWSportsMedia

The journey so far…

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

I grew up just outside Southampton on the south coast, and being near the sea has always been a big part of who I am. Whether it was spending time at the beach or training outdoors, I was always active growing up. I come from a family spread across the UK — my dad is from Dundee and my mum is from Manchester, so I've always had strong connections to different parts of the country.

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

Until last year I was primarily a triathlete, but cycling had always been my favourite of the three disciplines. As I progressed, I realised it was the part of the sport I enjoyed the most and wanted to see how far I could take it on its own. Making the switch was a big step, but my boyfriend, who's been a cyclist for years, helped me hugely through those first road races. Learning race craft, positioning and all the little things you don't experience in triathlon was a steep learning curve, and having someone with that experience made the transition much easier.

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

I joined my first local triathlon club, Chapel Tri Stars, when I was seven years old and stayed there until I was around 15. From there I progressed as a youth and junior in triathlon and joined the England Talent Pathway, which helped me develop as an athlete before I moved to the University of Leeds. At Leeds I trained with the university performance squad, surrounded by world-class athletes and coaches, which was a fantastic environment to continue developing. From a young age I have also been part of many cyclocross teams — when I was a junior I joined Montezumas Race Team, who supported me at national level racing as well as taking me abroad to Belgium.

Tell us more about your cycling career to date — teams, clubs, and any highlights.

Although triathlon was my main focus for many years, I'd always raced cyclocross during the winter. Competing at national level led to one of the highlights of my junior career: representing Great Britain at the inaugural Junior Women's Cyclocross World Cup in 2020.

My first road race didn't come until 2025, but things progressed quickly. Within a few months I worked my way from 3rd Category to Elite, which was something I never expected to happen so fast. I enjoyed success across both road races and criteriums throughout the season, finishing 2nd overall in the National Circuit Series and 3rd in the Under-23 National Road Series.

Those results opened the door to conversations with Bob and eventually the opportunity to join Handsling Alba as a stagiaire in August. It also gave me my first experience of racing on the continent.

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

I first joined Alba as a stagiaire in August 2025. Bob got in touch with me after following my racing, and after speaking with him it quickly became clear that the team's values and ambitions matched my own. Racing with the team abroad gave me very valuable experience and a real insight into the environment they'd created. It's a team that genuinely invests in its riders and gives everyone the opportunity to develop while enjoying the process.

Quick Fire Q&A with Maddie

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

I was selected for the Tokyo Olympic swimming trials in 50m freestyle.

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

Not weird, just American, but maple syrup on fried eggs!

What is your favourite type of race?

A punchy race with repeated short, steep climbs. I love races that are aggressive from the start and reward riders who can keep attacking.

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

GP Lucien Van Impe — it was my first road race abroad and definitely an eye-opener. The pace, positioning and bunch size were all on another level compared to any UK road race I'd done so far.

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

Deodorant — can't be stinking the peloton out!

What are your personal top 3 cycling destinations?

Yorkshire Dales, New Forest, Monte Gordo (Portugal)

What's the best thing about being on Handsling Alba? T

he people. Bob and Elaine have created an environment where everyone feels supported while still being challenged to improve. It's a team that takes racing seriously but also makes it enjoyable, and I think that's a huge part of why everyone performs so well.

Maddie’s Top Tips for Aspiring Cyclists

Maddie's route into cycling was anything but conventional — so who better to ask for advice on making progress in the sport? Here's what she'd tell anyone starting out:

1. Consistency is key — be patient, and progress will build with time and consistency.
2. Race as much as you can — there's no substitute for race legs and experience. Every race teaches you something about positioning, tactics, and your own strengths and weaknesses.

3. Enjoy the process — results come when you're motivated and enjoying the process of riding your bike.

    

Welcome to the team, Maddie — we can't wait to see what 2026 holds💪

Missed our last profile? Catch up with Rider Profile: Izzy Sharp.