Handsling-Alba news - Kate Richardson returns!

After what can only be described as a 'mixed' season, Kate Richardson is re-joining Handsling-Alba for 2025. While 2024 had its ups, like winning the Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix, taking gold in the Individual and Team Pursuit at British Cycling's National Track Championships, as well as first in the Individual Pursuit, Scratch and Points race at the Scottish National Track Championships, there were downs.

Kate endured a broken collar bone, broke a scapula, twice and suffered concussion, plus all the cuts, bruises and trauma that go with those injuries. That the last one was a day before riding the Tour of Britain and was caused by a road rage incident, would have tested anyone. Add in a last minute team collapse and this was truly a year of hard knocks.

It's a testament to her resolve and will power that Kate has not only got back on her bike, but is racing again! For 2025 she will once again be riding with Handsling-Alba. Kate first joined Alba back in 2022, when she won the overall, points, mountain and young rider jerseys at the Rás na mBan.

Kate Richardson said:

“I’m so happy to re-join the team at Handsling Alba, where it all started for me. It’s been truly inspiring to see how far the team has come in just three years and what can be achieved when integrity, professionalism, effective communication and fostering a highly positive and inclusive team environment to encourage growth and development come first. Results flow from these solid foundations. I really can’t wait to get the 2025 season underway.”

Bob Lyons, Team Manager said:

‘It has been a tough couple of seasons for Kate, but it is good to see her back to full fitness and ready to get back to it. She brings a lot to the team and also fits in well with the team structure and balance, it’s great to have her back.”

Handsling-Alba April race schedule

Handsling A1R0evo

Handsling-Alba are a Scottish based women's elite development team. The team are riding on Handsling's A1R0evo, which is a true performance bicycle, excelling in every situation, whether racing or everyday cruising. Designed in-house, using Toray T800 carbon-fibre and Handsling's own moulds. Handsling's customisation allows you to select wheels, groupset or saddle, plus a choice of twenty different paint-jobs, allowing you to make your bike truly yours.