June has been a month of rebuilding, perspective and, most importantly, enjoying being back on the bike.
After the disappointment of injury and the demands of university exams, it was fantastic to head to Mallorca for two weeks of training. There really is nowhere better to begin rebuilding fitness than on the island’s smooth roads, long climbs and endless miles of quiet tarmac. It was exactly what I needed to start laying the foundations again.
The trip wasn’t just about training. It was great to spend some quality time with Amelie and even convince her to join me on the bike. Having the opportunity to switch off from the pressures of racing and university reminded me why I love the sport and the lifestyle that comes with it.
Returning home, I was thrown straight into one of the biggest events on the domestic calendar – the Rapha London Nocturne. First held in 2007, the Nocturne has become one of Britain’s most iconic cycle races, bringing elite racing into the heart of the capital. Inspired by the famous European city-centre criteriums, it transforms London’s streets into a spectacular sporting arena, attracting thousands of spectators and creating an atmosphere unlike any other race in the UK.
To race through those streets, surrounded by huge crowds just metres from the barriers, was an incredible experience. The atmosphere, the setting and the history of the event made it a real privilege to be on the start line.
The result, however, wasn’t the one I had hoped for. I recorded a DNF, which is never easy to accept. Looking back, I probably expected too much from my first major race after such a long period away from competition. It was a timely reminder that returning from injury is a process and that fitness takes time to rebuild. While disappointing, it reinforced the importance of being patient and trusting the journey back.
A few days later, I returned to Welwyn Track League and came away with second place in the 10-mile race after a hard-fought evening of racing. More importantly than the result, it gave me confidence that the strength is returning and that the consistent training is beginning to show.
As well as track league, I’ve also found it really rewarding to ride a local chaingang every Tuesday evening. These rides have been invaluable in rebuilding my fitness and rediscovering that competitive edge. Pushing hard alongside a strong local group has made the training both challenging and enjoyable, and it’s been a great reminder that some of the best sessions aren’t always races. They’ve played a big part in helping me regain confidence and continue progressing week by week.
The biggest positive has simply been feeling healthy again. With my exams now behind me and my injury fully recovered, I’ve been able to train consistently for the first time in months. Every session adds another layer of fitness, and my focus is now firmly on building towards the South London Grand Prix at the end of July and the remainder of the summer season.
Away from cycling, I’ve also enjoyed spending more time at home and getting back onto the cricket field. I managed to post a personal best score of 81, proving that sometimes stepping away from the bike can be just as rewarding.
This month has reminded me that success isn’t always measured by results alone. Sometimes it’s about enjoying the ride, appreciating the opportunity to compete again and finding the right balance between sport, university and life.
Thank you, as always, to my family, Amelie, my coaches, teammates, the team at Loughborough University, my sponsors: Highway Cycles, Matts Auto Repair Services, Pedal Potential, and everyone who continues to support me. Your encouragement makes the difficult days easier and the good days even more rewarding.
I’m excited to see where the second half of the season takes me.
Gilbank Racing 