Alba Development Road Team

"Road racing in the UK — it’s withering on the vine a bit"

A standout season for Handsling-Alba — built on a development-first ethos — yet Bob Lyons warns that without urgent reform, British racing will struggle to keep the talent it produces.

thebritishcontinental.co.uk/2025/11/17/b...

Handsling Alba reveal powerhouse 2026 squad after landmark year The Scottish-based Continental team adds strength in depth with six new signings as it builds on a breakout 2025 season.

After UCI wins, a national title and a WorldTour graduation, @albaroadteam.bsky.social adds six new riders to form its strongest line-up yet. Read the full story - with exclusive insight from team manager Bob Lyons.

thebritishcontinental.co.uk/2025/10/27/h...

World Champions! 🌈 🥇

Maddie Leech and her teammate Katie Archibald stormed to victory last night in the Madison at the @uci_cycling track world championships! Massive well done to both in. hectic race, especially to Maddie for winning her first ever rainbow jersey!

📸 @swpix_cycling

That’s a wrap on our team announcements for 2026!

We’re proud to confirm an exciting mix of experience and fresh talent as we look ahead to another big year for Alba.

See you all on the road next year! 💙

📸: Andy Smith & Murdo MacGillivray

📸 - Thanks to all the photographers who have captured the team this year!
@andy.smith_photo
@swpix.bsky.social

We are already working flat out on the 2026 season where we intend continuing to build on our successes and have some very exciting plans. Watch this space for news and updates in the coming days and weeks and please continue to get behind the team. Everyone is grateful for your support......

Whilst the riders, quite rightly, take centre stage for the amazing season we have had, big thanks also go to all sponsors, partners and staff, without whom none of this would be possible.........

From a development perspective, Lauren’s move to the best female team in the world underlines what we as a team are all about, but every single rider has worked with their individual programmes and made huge strides forward, there is a lot more to come..........

From UCI stage race wins, podiums in world class fields to European and National champions, every member of the team has contributed to an incredibly successful season, delivering an impressive world ranking for a team of our size........

We frequently say that results don’t matter, but if you get the development piece right the results will come - and come they did .....

End of Season 2025!

That’s a wrap on the racing for 2025 and what a season it has been. The team continue to build on earlier foundations and its development ethos, which continues to provide the platform for both individual and team progression.

It is pleasing to see that the implementation of a somewhat different strategy is bearing fruit. Good luck Lauren.”

Best of luck to Lauren from all at ALBA!
Photos: SW PIX

Her future is very bright indeed and we will be hearing her name a lot in the coming years. The team was set up to create a platform for development, with the team’s major focus being the rider and getting the best out of them.

Team Manager Bob Lyons added:
“We are delighted that Lauren has signed a two year contract with FDJ-Suez. It has been a delight watching, and being a part of, her development this year. She has had an incredible season and this move is just reward.

Looking forwards, I endeavour to give my all and continue learning and progressing with FDJ-Suez. My long-term ambitions are to race the Grand Tours, but next year I want to focus on perfecting race craft and doing my best for our leaders.”

Stepping up from club level and progressing to WorldTour in 18 months is, I believe, a testament to Alba’s development pathway.
No words can describe how grateful I am for the opportunities provided, the support and friendship from my teammates, and the generosity and efforts of sponsors and staff

Speaking about her signing, Lauren says:
“When I signed for Alba, Bob said the team focuses on developing riders. I’m very excitemed and honoured to confirm that I’ve signed a two-year contract with the world’s number one team FDJ-Suez, a dream become reality.

The team are delighted to announce that Lauren Dickson has signed a two year contract with the Women’s World Tour team @fdj_suez !
Read more below:

A tough week with injuries and illness compounding the challenging travel schedule, but the team have ridden extremely well, despite reduced numbers.

On to Devon now for the final round of the Circuit Series in Dawlish and the next round of the National Road Series in Witheridge.

It has been a very busy week - straight back from La Perigord in France on Sunday, to the penultimate round of the National Circuit Series in Colne last night. A tough week with injuries and illness compounding the challenging travel schedule, but the team have ridden extremely well.

So, yet again Hess cycling team withdraw at short notice from a race, citing funding difficulties. This is totally unacceptable to riders/staff and race organisers, but above all it is unacceptable and damaging to teams like us, who are denied invitations to key races by their behaviour.

Stunning day in Belgium, GP Beveren tomorrow.

July has begun and so has Crit season! Another packed month of racing around the UK and Europe, including 5 rounds of the National Circuit series - where Kate will get to wear her new championship stripes!

First stop is Otley town centre tomorrow evening!

Fresh stripes for Kate!

@kate_richardson__ took the win in Aberystwyth this evening - earning her the title of National Champion! The damp course made for tricky racing conditions but Kate put the power down all the way to the line. What a ride and what a result. 🏆

📸 @andy.smith_photo

Day 1 at National Champs is a wrap!

An all round successful day on the TT bikes, with Maddie taking 3rd in the U23, and top 10 results for Mari, Kate and Lauren too!

Results:
Maddie - 🥉(u23)
Mari - 8th (u23)

Lauren - 7th (Elite)
Kate - 8th (Elite)
Arianne - 13th (Elite)

📸 @swpix.bsky.social

📸 @swpix.bsky.social

It’s great to have the Tour of the Reservoir back on the calendar.

Another great team effort, perhaps not the result on paper we would have liked, but could not of asked for anything more from anyone.

On to Wales now for the British Championships this week.

Stay tuned for updates and results!

We're back racing this weekend at the Tour of the Reservoir!

A 133km course will see the riders take on some punchy climbs around the Derwent Reservoir, County Durham. Sunday will also be the 4th race in the National Women's Series, where valuable points will be on the table.

We were rolling strong at the Tour of Britain last week with the Strade wheelset from Parcours and Vittoria Corsa Pro tyres - speed, grip, and style dialled in.