Eilidh Shaw on her 2024 season with Alba Development Race Team
Eilidh Shaw, is just 19 years of age, and a cyclist on the Alba Development Road Team. Having missed a lot of 2023 with injury, Shaw has attacked 2024, and recently won the National Road Series title, as well as the National Criterium Circuit Series title. She was also selected to represent Great Britain U23 at the Tour de L’Avenir.
Shaw started riding her bike aged 9 years old. A mountain bike with her local club, the Clydesdale Colts, part of the Royal Albert based in Hamilton. She did come from a sporting family, and played lots of sports growing up – cycling, running, swimming, karate and netball. However packing her days with so much sport, she started to run out of hours to fit them all in and eventually settled on cycling. We are very fortunate that Shaw decided cycling was her sport, and aspires to ride as a World Tour rider, competing in all the major championships. We think these are great and very achievable goals, as she is rapidly progressing into a world class cyclist. Did I say she was just 19… what a future Shaw has! We will be following along excitedly!
We took some time to chat with Eilidh about her 2024 season
Firstly, congratulations on taking the National Series title, as well as the National Circuit Series title! How are you feeling?
It was an amazing feeling to win those titles. I have had a great season this year and I am incredibly grateful for all the support from everyone around me; my family, friends, my coach Evan and everyone from Alba. It's been a big team effort.
Was the plan to win these titles? What were your goals coming into 2024?
I came into the first National Series race this year with a good base from winter training but not sure where my racing fitness was at having not competed much during the 2023 season. I was determined to be back racing and get stuck in. Going into the Leaders Jersey after the second round of the series was unexpected, I then started to believe the series could be a big goal to aim for this year.
You were also this year selected for the Great Britain team for the Tour de L’Avenir? How did that come about?
In July, I was contacted and asked if I would like to race the Tour de L’Avenir with Great Britian. I had some good results in UCI races earlier in the season, like the Tour de Feminine in the Czech Republic, which I think helped my selection. I was excited to have the opportunity to race in such a prestigious Tour for U23 riders.
What was it like putting on that GBR jersey?
It is very special to pull on the GBR jersey, any opportunity to represent GBR I’m grateful and proud to be part of.
The Tour de L’Avenir, looks a bit different with National teams (e.g GBR v Spain etc.) rather than the familiar UCI and Continental teams? Does that change the dynamic?
National teams are usually made up of riders from all different UCI and Continental teams. In the GB team we had Josie Nelson from DSM Firmenich-Postnl, Flora Perkins and Millie Couzens from Fenix-Deceuninck, Awen Roberts from CANYON//SRAM Generation and myself from Alba Road Team. We had never ridden together before, as the race developed so did strategies and our roles within the team, it worked out really well with top 10’s results for the team.
How did the race play out?
The Tour De L’Avenir, consisted of 4 days of racing, 1 prologue and 3 hilly stages. The routes were tough, we were racing up some of the longest climbs I have ever done, it was an incredible experience. One of my favorite parts was the queen stage, racing up the Colle delle Finestre, an 18km long climb with the last 8km on gravel.
What was your role on the team?
I played a support role within the team, helping with positioning, feed and bottles for our main GC (General Classification) riders. I didn't have much experience being a support rider at that level and really enjoyed learning from the other riders in the team.
What did you learn from the race?
I developed a better understating of the more intricate roles when working within a team and identified my strengths and areas to work on in the Alpine terrain.
When talking about what Eilidh has learnt in 2024, and how she things she’s developed as an athlete, she gives a lot of kudos and thanks to the support and set up that the Alba Development Road team have given.
Alba has been the perfect environment for me to grow and develop as a rider over the past two years. The team provides a full racing calendar of opportunities both in the UK and abroad. A key aspect to my development this year has been the variety and level of races we have competed in. Exposure to some of the highest level of UCI races in Europe has been great for learning and experience and has brought my confidence on massively. There were lots of racing opportunities where I could work on race craft, aim for good results and ultimately go for the win.
Alba provides all of our racing equipment, bikes, wheels, tires, nutrition and clothing. All of the essentials and more, to be a bike racer at the highest level of the sport. This helps massively financially especially when the majority of the team are balancing university/studies/work alongside their racing career. Alba have been incredibly supportive and flexible with balancing my university studies alongside racing which has had a positive impact on both. I have really enjoyed racing on the Handslings (bikes) this year, I genuinely think that the Handsling and Parcour combination is one of the fastest out there. The bikes have been put through their paces on all terrains and held up flawlessly.
Alba have created a professional team environment with a relaxed element. Team meetings and debriefs allow us to exchange ideas, reflect and learn from each other. Being able to be open and honest with each other really brings everyone together.
Before Alba there was a gap in the development process, Alba is fulfilling this with a development platform to the next level. I’m proud to be a part of that!
So, what is next?
My own motivation and goal is to become a World Tour rider, make a career and become one of the best riders in the world. I would also like to compete in all of the major championships including some of my own favorite races like Paris Roubaix and Flanders.
What do you love (and hate) about cycling?
I love the places my bike takes me, and the amazing opportunities it brings. You definitely see more of the place you're visiting when you do it by bike. I enjoy training and trusting the process to be the best shape possible for race day.
Things I hate about cycling - Punctures! and the sound of a squeaky disc brake. (Ed: Yes, us too)
Favourite training session?
I really enjoy riding at my local chain gang and love motor pacing on the track.
What do you feel your strengths are as a rider?
My strengths are within a punchy parcourse although I would like to develop as an all-around rider, see where this takes me.
Who do you look up to in cycling and sport?
From a young age, I've looked up to Katie Archibald and Neah Evans. World and Olympic champions across the track disciplines. I’m lucky to have two Scottish female role models to look up to.
Congratulations Eilidh and the Alba Development Road Team on a fantastic season, and creating such a supportive environment, enabling the growth and development of the riders. We (Parcours) are certainly grateful and excited to be part of that, and can’t wait to see how the athletes and team grows. All the best Eilidh for chasing your goals! We are excited to follow and support you!
