May has been one of the most challenging months of my cycling career so far. From The Highs of Ghent to the Lows of Rutland it has been a rollercoaster of a month.
The month started with the CiCLE Classic, one of the toughest and most prestigious races on the British calendar. The race was aggressive from the start, with attacks, splits and constant pressure making for a potentially hectic day in the bunch. Unfortunately, I was caught up in a major pile-up which brought my race to an abrupt end and only after 15 km! I actually stopped behind the pile up and thought I was safe until someone ran into the back of me. My leg forced forward and my shin went into my front chain ring, as most cyclists do I carried on racing but the pain increased and I had to stop. I was patched up by the paramedics and then went off to Loughborough Emergency care where it appeared that the chainring had resulted in a fractured shin bone, turning what had been a big day out into a significant setback.
As any cyclist knows, crashes are an unfortunate reality of racing, but that doesn’t make them any easier to accept. , I was looking forward to building momentum through the summer. Instead, my focus has shifted completely towards recovery and rehabilitation.
One positive throughout this difficult period has been the outstanding support I’ve received from the team at Loughborough University. The physios and medical staff have been fantastic, providing expert care, guidance and reassurance throughout the recovery process. Their support has given me confidence that I’m making steady progress and taking the right steps towards returning to full fitness.
At the same time, I have been navigating my university exam period at Loughborough. Balancing recovery from injury alongside revision and examinations has certainly tested my resilience. While not the way I had imagined spending the month, it has reinforced the importance of staying adaptable and maintaining a long-term perspective.
I was delighted to attend Buckingham Palace with my Dad to receive my Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award and resilience was the theme of the day! It was an amazing day and I had the privilege of listening to Jake Humphrey speak about resilience and the importance of it in the modern world. I certainly took strength from this, as well as having an amazing day out. If you get a chance have a look at the speech on Instagram. It is amazing!
Another exciting development during May has been my appointment as an ambassador for the Oddballs foundation. The Oddballs foundation do incredible work raising awareness of testicular cancer and encouraging young men to regularly check themselves. Their mission is one that I am proud to support, and I am looking forward to helping promote an important message that can genuinely save lives. Again Resilience at the fore and in my induction listening to the stories of the survivors. I again took strength.
While being sidelined is frustrating, I’m determined to use this period positively. Recovery is progressing well, exams are now coming to an end, and my focus is firmly on returning to full fitness and getting back on the start line as soon as possible.
Sport is rarely a straight line. There are highs, lows, victories and setbacks. This month has certainly been one of the tougher chapters, but I’m grateful for the support of my family, coaches, teammates, sponsors, the Loughborough performance support team, and everyone who has sent messages of encouragement. Your support means a huge amount.
I’m looking forward to sharing more positive news in the months ahead as I work my way back to racing. I’m also excited to continue developing my role with the Oddballs Foundation, helping to raise awareness and encourage important conversations around men’s health. Supporting a cause that has the potential to make such a positive impact is something I am incredibly proud to be involved with.
Gilbank Racing 