Alba Development Road Team, a top British cycling outfit, has secured a multi-year bike supply deal with Handsling, gearing up for the 2024 season. This partnership, announced on St Andrew’s Day, sees Scotland’s only all-female team, which is stepping up to UCI Continental level in 2024, equipped with Handsling’s A1R0evo carbon road frame for competitions across the UK and Europe.
Bob Lyons, Alba DRT Performance Director and Team Manager, expressed excitement about the collaboration with Handsling, a brand that supports homegrown talent. Lyons highlighted the superior quality of Handsling’s bikes, which he believes will give the team a competitive edge in the upcoming season.
Simon Whiten, Director of Handsling, shared his enthusiasm for the partnership. He praised Alba’s long-term vision and commitment to rider development, noting Handsling’s history of supporting emerging talent. Whiten is eager to see the next generation of cycling stars on Handsling frames.
In preparation for the new season, Alba has also announced significant team changes. Sophie Lankford, Sophie Enever, and Beth Maciver are moving on, while Keira Bond has been promoted from her Stagiaire role to join the team full-time. New additions to the team include Beth Morrow, Abi Plowman, Emma Matthews, and Millie Skinner. Contract extensions have been confirmed for Arianne Holland, Eilidh Shaw, Amelia Tyler, Daisy Barnes, Evie White, Vicky Smith, and Erin Murphy.
Lyons is looking forward to seeing the new riders in action, noting that despite disruptions from illness or injury, the team is fully fit and focused on the year ahead. He recalled the success of the previous season, with Eilidh Shaw winning the Senior Women’s Scottish National Road Race Championship and two riders placing in the top 20 of the National Road Series. Lyons is optimistic about building on these achievements in 2024 with the support of quality bikes from Handsling.
The Alba team’s season commences with the CiCle Classic on March 17.
