Annabel joined the team towards the end of last season and got off to a flying start, showing her natural enthusiasm and willingness to learn straight away. She cites the Tour Cycliste Féminin International de l'Ardèche as one of her biggest achievements to date, racing against some of the best cyclists in the world and taking as much from the experience as she possibly could.
Still only 20 years old, Annabel is another member of the team juggling her studies, chemistry at Leeds university, with training and racing. Her cycle racing is a big part of her university life too as she’s the team captain of the women’s cycling team, competing in the odd race as well as organising teams to go to races.
Having dabbled in triathlon for a few seasons, but falling out of love with swimming, Annabel joined her Dad’s cycling club and began her racing career.
Now in only her fifth year racing, she has an insatiable appetite to learn and gain experience at the highest level, immersing herself in the team environment which motivates her to want to be better and do well for the team, not just herself.
Based in Leeds means Annabel has embraced the often poor local weather and will be out on the road in most conditions, retreating to the turbo trainer only when things could be unsafe or a risk to her racing.
The feeling of riding her bike, exploring the local roads and gaining valuable experience motivates her to train harder and she loves nothing more than exploring the Dales and her favourite rides around Pately Bridge.
Annabel Ramsay
Annabel’s another punchy rider who’s yet to determine her true strength, but short, sharp climbs and hard races are her favourite, Lincoln GP being a particular highlight of her season.
Finishing in the front group at Lincoln in 2023 was her breakthrough race and she’s already looking forward to racing the Ardeche again.
The time constraints and combining studies, training and racing are, like many in the team, Annabel’s greatest challenge and she’ll often be seen deep in her text books between races.
The jump from junior racing to under 23 national races has been huge but Annabel sees how the opportunities for young female racers has ballooned in recent years.
Annabel also rides gravel races, loving to mix up her training and riding as she sees gravel to be a lot of fun, relaxed and great for developing better bike handling and mental toughness.
Not surprisingly Annabel’s favourite race to watch is Strade Bianchi and she’d love to ride it one day, for the gravel, her favourite racer is Shirin van Anrooij.
Away from the bike Annabel loves live music, The National and indie rock being her favourite, as well as stepping back with a little Smiths! On the bike, Fred Again and something more upbeat drives her on, she’s also one of the team’s singers whilst on the bike.