In a barnstorming performance in Treviso last week, Maddy placed 77th overall in an incredibly strong field.  The elated sportswoman said afterwards: “I’m still just letting that sink in. My first outing in GB kit and racing at this level and it was truly unreal!”

This was after she finished third in the Elite women's event for the Gravel Earth series of international races, which took her from the lava fields of Iceland to the Maasai Mara National Park in Kenya. Her sponsors, UK bike manufacturer Ribble, even customised a new bike for her to take part in the world championship race. 

She is rapidly building a name for herself in gravel riding, which is an increasingly popular form of cycling, combining road and mountain biking and is mostly distance riding over unpaved roads.

Maddy left her job at Goldman Sachs at the end of 2021, to turn professional and step up training a notch.  She was featured on the front cover of Bike magazine this summer and is attracting a growing following on her socials and YouTube channel.

She recently told True website: “Over the past almost two years I’ve gradually dialled in my training, nutrition, recovery and race craft to transition from city finance to professional athlete. Countless hours out on two wheels; time in the gym and effort putting together balanced nutritious meals have all played a part in my development, as well as the influence of those around me.”

Maddy is hoping that her success will blaze a trail for others. She says: “Sport is so empowering and can be life-changing, and I think if everyone can do their part to encourage and inspire women to keep participating, regardless of what the sport and the level is, that’s the best thing we can do. If I could ever be a role model for young women, that would really fill me with joy.”

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